Tragedy Strikes Idaho Community as Firefighters Targeted During Emergency Response
June 29, 2025 — Boise, Idaho: Two people are dead and several others injured after a gunman ambushed firefighters responding to a residential fire in rural Ada County on Saturday evening, authorities confirmed.
According to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews from the Boise Fire Department were dispatched to a reported house fire near Eagle, Idaho, just after 7:00 p.m. local time. As firefighters began to battle the blaze, an unidentified male suspect opened fire from a concealed position, targeting first responders.
Two firefighters were fatally shot at the scene. Three others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Their conditions remain critical but stable as of Sunday morning.
Shooter Detained After Stand-Off
Law enforcement officials stated that the suspected gunman barricaded himself inside a nearby outbuilding, prompting a multi-agency tactical response. After a two-hour standoff, the suspect surrendered without further incident. The motive behind the attack is under investigation, and officials have not released the suspect’s name pending formal charges.
Community in Mourning
The deadly ambush has left the Idaho firefighting community and local residents in shock. Governor Brad Little called the attack “an unthinkable tragedy” and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Flags across the state will be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters.
The incident comes amid ongoing national discussions about the safety of first responders, with recent data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlighting an uptick in violence against fire and emergency personnel. The Boise Fire Department announced that counseling services are being made available to all staff and their families.
Investigation Ongoing
The Ada County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
