One year after the events on Canfield Mountain, Coeur d’Alene still grapples with the lasting effects of a tragedy that struck the heart of the community. 

Lynne Richards remembered and said it was “devastating.” 

“A lot of stuff has changed here; it should not have ever happened. Very devastating and uncalled for,” she said. 

For many, the shock came from the targeting of firefighters, known as a resolute group of men and women who forgo the risks of injury and death with the intent purpose of aiding their fellow man. 

Willie Krause Gilmore is constantly reminded of the tragedy and often remembers the firefighters who lost their lives. 

“I think about that day, and the firefighters several times a month,” he wrote to The Press.

Some residents spoke or wrote of lingering anxiety when seeing smoke or hearing sirens. 

Others spoke of a newfound appreciation for first responders running headlong into danger.

“I think it has brought us closer together, we got to see what first responders do daily,” wrote Brian Tilley to The Press.  

Coeur d’Alene’s grief has not vanished, but alongside it grew resilience, tighter bonds and a deeper appreciation for the heroism woven into everyday life in North Idaho.

Bob Ahrens was impressed with the response. 

“It was impressive how the community rallied together,” he said. 

In an interview with The Press, one local told the story of their neighbors gathering in the street during the critical incident. They lamented, shared information and as more of the neighborhood came outside to see the smoke, the group grew larger. 

In total, they estimated 12 families stood shoulder to shoulder and prayed for those on the mountain.

In the aftermath, North Idaho gathered on bridges and overpasses to grieve and honor their first responders as the procession passed by.

Businesses donated money and citizens held fundraisers as people did their best to support those slain and injured June 29, 2025.

Melissa Sue loved seeing people come together during the procession from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene in the following days.

“I don’t think there was a bridge from here to Spokane that wasn’t just full of American flags and citizens paying their respect,” she wrote to The Press. “Our community can never return what those families lost, but those heroes are not forgotten by our community.”

    Evan Mallory, Dylan Moffat and Alex Walker read the names on the Idaho's Fallen Fire Fighters memorial at Cherry Hill.