Two Idaho firefighters killed in sniper ambush

Euronews

30-06-2025

Two firefighters were fatally shot in the US on Sunday after they were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze in Idaho, authorities said.
Fire crews endured hours of gunfire in what the state's governor described as a 'heinous' attack. No arrests have been made.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said fire crews were called to a wildfire around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported roughly 30 minutes later. Sheriff Bob Norris said it was unclear how many suspects or casualties there were, and that authorities were still taking sniper fire as of late afternoon.
'We don't know how many suspects are up there,' Norris told reporters. 'We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.'
The sheriff said it was likely others remained on the mountain and that the sniper appeared to be using a high-powered rifle from concealed terrain. Deputies were instructed to return fire.
'I'm hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize, because they're not at this point in time showing any evidence of wanting to surrender,' Norris said.
Governor Brad Little confirmed multiple firefighters were targeted. 'This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,' he wrote on X, asking Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families.
Authorities issued an emergency alert urging the public to avoid the area. The fire remained active but crews could not access the area due to ongoing gunfire, Norris said.
The FBI deployed tactical and technical teams to the scene. 'It remains an active, and very dangerous scene,' Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X.
Idaho House Republican leaders called the killings 'a vicious attack on our first responders,' expressing condolences to the victims and their families.