In a horrifying turn of events in the Idaho Panhandle on Sunday, two firefighters were shot and killed, and a third was injured after being ambushed by an unidentified gunman. The emergency crew had been responding to a rapidly spreading wildfire near the remote town of Pine Creek when the tragic incident occurred. Authorities say the shooting has left the tight-knit firefighting community devastated and raised serious concerns about responder safety in volatile rural areas.
The firefighters, all members of an interagency wildfire response team, were dispatched to the area early Sunday morning. According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the crew was setting up a perimeter to protect nearby structures when they came under unexpected gunfire. Officials confirmed that the shooter fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. One firefighter died at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. The third, though seriously wounded, is expected to survive.
Law enforcement launched an immediate manhunt across the heavily forested region, which spans both federal and private land. As of Monday morning, the shooter remains at large, prompting road closures and heightened security in nearby communities. Authorities have yet to release a motive or identify the suspect, but investigators are interviewing witnesses and combing through surveillance and trail cam footage in the area.
The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management issued a joint statement expressing “deep sorrow and anger” over the attack. “These brave men and women risk their lives to protect ours,” the statement read. “To see them targeted while serving their communities is beyond comprehension.” Federal officials are now assisting in the investigation, and President Biden has been briefed on the situation.
Locals in Pine Creek and neighboring towns gathered Sunday night for an impromptu vigil, lighting candles and placing flowers at the entrance to the fire command center. “They were heroes,” one resident said, wiping away tears. “They came to save our homes and paid the ultimate price. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying.”
This tragic ambush underscores the increasing risks that first responders face — not only from natural hazards but also from human threats. As the region braces for another intense wildfire season, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately. More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
