Two People Dead After Firefighters Responding to Brush Fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Are Attacked

A deadly ambush disrupted firefighting efforts over the weekend when gunfire erupted during a wildfire response in northern Idaho.

Two firefighters were killed and several others injured on Sunday, June 29, 2025, after gunmen ambushed first responders battling a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, authorities said.

Fire crews responded to the blaze around 1:30 p.m. local time. Shortly after they arrived, unknown attackers opened fire from wooded terrain, striking both firefighters and law enforcement officers, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed.

The victims were identified as fire personnel, but their names have not been released. Officials issued a shelter-in-place order for the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and nearby areas.

Civilians were seen evacuating and may have been caught between the flames and the gunfire. A police helicopter was dispatched to assist, but could not land due to the active shooting and difficult terrain.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Lt. Jeff Howard reportedly said that investigators are actively examining whether someone intentionally set the fire to draw first responders to the scene. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined the investigation and is searching for suspects.

As the investigation developed, NBC News reported that firefighters responded to what officials believe was an intentionally set fire. Authorities told the outlet that "ambush" accurately describes what happened to those first at the scene, and a federal official said early indications support that conclusion.

Emergency radio transmissions obtained by NBC revealed the chaotic response. One voice reported, "Two battalion chiefs down, two officers injured."

Another warned, "I have no idea where the shooters [are] at or where they're going, in which direction. I would recommend that our units, all of our firing units, escape further down the pavement towards town, maybe a half a mile or so to a safe staging area."

A third reportedly said, "We're going to need multiple ambulances for ALS care. As soon as we can get law enforcement in here to get these people out, I recommend we get no less than five, five ambulances staged at the bottom. I don't care where we get them from."

The scale and severity of the attack quickly drew national attention. Edward A. Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, confirmed on X that IAFF members were targeted in a sniper attack.

He said two were killed and one remains in surgery. He urged the public to keep the victims, their families, and responders in their thoughts.

In a related response, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in a separate post on X, thanked FBI agents working on the ground and said officials are praying for those affected.

Meanwhile, Idaho Governor Brad Little also addressed the attack on the same platform, calling it a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters." He said he and his wife were heartbroken and urged Idahoans to pray for the victims and avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.

As the investigation into the Idaho ambush continues, a separate tragedy claimed the life of a veteran police officer in California.

Sergeant Shiou Deng of the Los Angeles Police Department was killed on June 23, while assisting a stranded driver on the southbound 405 Freeway. His death has sparked widespread mourning across the city and law enforcement community, with tributes pouring in for the highly respected veteran officer.

The incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. near the Getty Center in West Los Angeles when a Toyota pickup truck lost control and crashed.

Another car swerved to avoid the wreck and struck the center divider. Responding to the scene, Sergeant Deng, who was in his patrol SUV, activated his emergency lights and pulled over to help.

As he exited his vehicle to reach the pickup driver, who was out of his vehicle already, both men were struck by an oncoming car. The truck driver was killed instantly. Deng was transported by ambulance to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Meanwhile, a rescue helicopter had landed on the freeway but was not used. The collision brought traffic to a complete halt, and the southbound lanes remained closed well into the morning commute before reopening early that afternoon.

City officials quickly confirmed the officer's identity and paid tribute to his service. In a press conference, Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences and emphasized the risks officers face daily.

"Sgt. Deng's last act was one of service — putting the safety and wellbeing of others above all else," she said, highlighting his decades of dedication to the city.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also spoke to news outlets, confirming that Deng had been trying to help the crash victim when he was struck. "He died a hero," McDonnell said. "He was out there helping others."

Additionally, the chief said that Deng was "a deeply respected leader" whose passing was "immeasurable" for both the department and the wider community.

In a written statement posted online, McDonnell said Deng was "tragically killed" and reflected on the late officer's character and legacy, citing his 26 years of honorable service.

He also described Deng as a man of "integrity, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to public service." Officials promised continued support for his family and stated that memorial details would be released in the coming days.

As news of Deng's death spread, tributes poured in both offline and online. A police procession was held to escort Deng's body from the hospital to the coroner's office, drawing participation from the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department, and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Councilwoman Traci Park shared footage from the event, describing the collective grief and unity displayed by first responders.

"Thank you to Sgt. Deng for your service and to our brave first responders for honoring him in this way. Our city mourns this devastating loss. We will never forget Sgt. Deng's courage or sacrifice 🖤💙," she wrote.

On social media, others joined in mourning the fallen officer. Former colleague Alex Mora-espino shared photos of Deng and reflected on the close bond within the police force, describing the lasting impact Deng had on everyone around him. "It's a second family. This man was the light of that family and brought nothing but joy every day," he explained.

Meanwhile, the LAPD and local news outlets, including KNX News 97.1 FM, posted videos of the lengthy procession, which featured a solemn line of patrol vehicles moving through the city in Deng's honor.