A tragic and shocking event has shaken the tight-knit community near Mount Canfield, Idaho, after two firefighters were killed in what officials are now calling an ambush. The incident unfolded approximately two hours ago, sending ripples of grief and disbelief through the region as more details begin to emerge about what led to this deadly encounter.

According to early reports, the two firefighters — whose names have not yet been publicly released pending family notification — were responding to what initially appeared to be a routine brush fire near a remote area on the lower slopes of Mount Canfield. Authorities say the call came in late yesterday evening, and the crew arrived at the scene during the early morning hours. What they didn’t know was that they were walking straight into a deadly trap.

Eyewitnesses in the area described hearing what they believed were gunshots echoing through the forest shortly after the firefighters’ arrival. Within minutes, law enforcement and additional emergency responders were dispatched to the site. By the time backup arrived, both firefighters had been fatally shot.

In a grim twist, a man was found dead not far from the scene, lying near a tree with a firearm next to his body. Law enforcement has now confirmed that the man has been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Whitlock, a local resident with a history of minor run-ins with the law but nothing that would have predicted such a violent outburst. Preliminary evidence suggests that Whitlock may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though an autopsy is pending to confirm the exact cause of death.

At a press briefing this morning, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris expressed deep sorrow for the fallen firefighters and their families. “Today, our community mourns the loss of two brave men who dedicated their lives to protecting others,” Sheriff Norris said. “We have every reason to believe this was a calculated and deliberate act. An investigation is underway, and we are committed to finding answers and justice for these heroes and their loved ones.”

The motive behind the ambush remains unclear. Neighbors and acquaintances of Daniel Whitlock described him as a loner who sometimes spoke of feeling wronged by local officials. Some residents recall him complaining about forest management policies, but no one suspected he was capable of such a heinous act. “He was strange, but you never think someone like that will pick up a gun and kill people trying to help,” one neighbor said.

nt mourning the loss and offering condolences to the families of the fallen. “We are devastated by this senseless loss. Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day, but this is a tragedy no one could have anticipated,” the statement read.

Flags across local fire stations and city offices have already been lowered to half-staff. Vigils are being planned in the coming days to honor the lives and sacrifice of the two firefighters, who are being remembered by colleagues as dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to their communities.Meanwhile, law enforcement teams continue to secure the area around Mount Canfield, searching for any evidence that could shed light on Whitlock’s actions or whether he may have had any accomplices. For now, investigators say there is no indication that anyone else was involved, but they are not ruling out any possibilities until the full facts are known.

As word of the tragedy spreads, fire departments from across Idaho and neighboring states are sending messages of support and solidarity. Many crews are also stepping in to cover shifts for grieving colleagues, ensuring that the region remains protected even in this dark moment.

For residents of this part of Idaho, the shooting serves as a brutal reminder of the risks first responders face — not just from flames and natural disasters, but from unexpected threats that can turn deadly in an instant.

Counseling and support services are being made available for the firefighters’ families, co-workers, and members of the community impacted by the horrific events. Authorities have also asked that anyone with additional information about Daniel Whitlock’s recent activities come forward to help complete the picture of what led to this tragedy.

As this story develops, many in the community are left grappling with the question: how could a mission to save lives end with two courageous men losing their own? And could anything have been done to prevent it? For now, the focus remains on honoring their sacrifice and ensuring their families know they do not grieve alone.