A shooting incident injured several firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, while they responded to a brush fire on Sunday afternoon. A disturbing livescanner recording of the scene shows the fire was deliberately started to lure responders. One firefighter asked for law enforcement backup at the “upper parking lot,” mentioning the suspect had a shotgun. Authorities have not yet confirmed these details.
A firefighter reported, “Everyone is shot up here. We need law enforcement backup on the upper parking lot,” and mentioned that some colleagues were hurt. Kootenai County Emergency Management told residents to stay away from the area and issued a shelter-in-place order. The situation involves an active shooter, even though the fire is still burning.
Police are currently searching for a suspect nearby. Flightradar shows at least three law enforcement helicopters at the scene. Officials are investigating whether the fire was set on purpose to attract emergency responders, according to an ABC News report citing an official. The FBI is helping local authorities in Kootenai County, a spokesman confirmed.
Kootenai County Emergency Management posted on social media, “If you are near Canfield Mountain Trailhead or Nettleton Gulch Road, SHELTER IN PLACE. If not, AVOID THE AREA due to law enforcement activity. Follow trusted news sources for updates. We will share more as we get it.”
Pat Riley, chief of Northern Lakes Fire Protection, told Idaho News, “I feel heartbroken. We train for this kind of thing. Nobody wants to see it happen in their own community.”
The incident happened at Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of Coeur d’Alene. The park features several hiking and biking trails and dense trees.