Tragedy in Coeur d’Alene: Gunman Opens Fire on Firefighters Battling Wildfire, Leaving One Dead and Several Injured
What began as a routine emergency call to battle a wildfire near Canfield Mountain turned into a harrowing and deadly ordeal Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, when a gunman opened fire on first responders in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The tragic and shocking incident has left one firefighter dead, several others injured, and a community reeling from the unthinkable attack on those who had come to protect it.
The Incident
At approximately 2:15 p.m., fire crews from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue were dispatched to a fast-moving brush fire reported near the base of Canfield Mountain — a popular recreational area just east of the city known for its trails and scenic views.
According to authorities, shortly after crews began working to contain the blaze, a man emerged from a nearby wooded area and began shooting without warning. The gunman, later identified as 42-year-old Marcus Dean Ellsworth of Coeur d’Alene, used a high-powered rifle and targeted firefighters and emergency personnel as they attempted to extinguish the flames.
Panic erupted on the scene as crews scrambled for cover. Law enforcement officers from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department responded within minutes, engaging the suspect in a brief but intense standoff. Ellsworth was ultimately shot and killed by deputies at the scene. The sheriff’s office has confirmed that he acted alone.
Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, one firefighter — identified as 36-year-old Captain Travis McHenry of Coeur d’Alene Fire Department — was fatally shot during the attack. A 12-year veteran of the department and a beloved figure in the firefighting community, McHenry was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by medics to save him.
Three other firefighters sustained gunshot wounds. Two remain hospitalized in serious condition, while the third was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. A law enforcement officer was also reportedly injured by shrapnel during the gunfire exchange.
Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Brian Keller, visibly emotional during a press conference, called the attack “an unspeakable act of violence against those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours.”
“Captain McHenry was a hero in every sense of the word. He gave everything for this community, and we are shattered by his loss. Today, we mourn not only a friend and colleague, but a brave soul who faced danger to keep others safe,” Keller said.
Investigation and Motive
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI have launched a joint investigation into the shooting. Officials confirmed that Ellsworth had a documented history of anti-government rhetoric and prior mental health issues, though the motive behind his deadly ambush remains under investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been intentionally set as part of a calculated plan to lure first responders into an ambush. Federal agents are combing through Ellsworth’s digital records and interviewing known associates to piece together a clearer picture of his motives.
Sheriff Bob Norris condemned the act as “a vile and premeditated assault on those who serve our community selflessly,” pledging to fully investigate how and why such a tragedy occurred.
Community Reaction
The city of Coeur d’Alene, typically known for its tight-knit community and peaceful landscapes, has been shaken to its core. Vigils began forming Sunday evening as residents gathered to honor the fallen and wounded. Local churches and schools are offering counseling services, and a memorial wall outside the downtown fire station has quickly filled with flowers, photos, and handwritten notes.
Governor Brad Little issued a statement Sunday night, calling the attack “a dark day for Idaho.”
“This cowardly act of violence against our brave first responders is heartbreaking. Idaho stands with the families of the victims, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and all emergency personnel who put their lives on the line every day,” he said.
Honoring a Hero
Captain Travis McHenry is survived by his wife, Rachel, and two young children. Known for his leadership, sense of humor, and fierce dedication, McHenry mentored countless new recruits and led wildfire response units across North Idaho. His death marks the first time in decades that the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department has lost a firefighter in the line of duty to gun violence.
In honor of his sacrifice, flags across Idaho will fly at half-staff for the remainder of the week. A public memorial is being planned and will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds to accommodate the expected turnout of mourners from across the region.
Looking Forward
As fire crews continue to monitor and suppress remaining hot spots from the original blaze, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and patient during the ongoing investigation. Residents are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity near wooded areas or critical infrastructure, especially during this heightened time of concern for public safety.
What should have been a day of coordinated emergency response has instead become a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve — even in moments where their greatest enemy is expected to be fire, not gunfire.
As Coeur d’Alene mourns, it also rallies — unified in sorrow, gratitude, and an unwavering resolve to honor the memory of a fallen hero and ensure that those responsible for such violence are never forgotten.