by CAROLYN BOSTICK
Staff Writer | July 8, 2025 1:06 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Red and blue brews will soon be populating menus at local breweries in support of the families of the firefighters affected by the Canfield Mountain shootings. 

It takes about three weeks to brew a batch of beer, but local brewers quickly began working to channel their hurt on behalf of their community.

Each brewery will create its own “blue and red” beer to sell and $41,850 in proceeds has already been pledged from future beer sales to support firefighter families. The Red and Blue Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first responders who are injured, terminally ill or killed in the line of duty.

Brian Engdahl of Chalice Brewing said it’s about connecting with the community during this difficult time for North Idaho.   

“We wanted to give back in some way, find a way to band together,” Engdahl said. 

The brewers assembled Monday to plan other ways to support the families. 

Brewscape Beer Co., Bombastic Brewing, Chalice Brewing, Daft Badger Brewing, Kaniksu Brewing, Knucklehead Brewing, Outpost Brewing, Trails End Brewery, Westwood Brewing, Vantage Point Brewing, Two Saints Brewing, Post Falls Brewing, Jeremiah Johnson Brewing and Utara Brewing have joined the list of brewers. 

Chelsea Boss is handling messaging for the group, which has also garnered support throughout their supply chain of malt distributors and glassware designs. 

“That’s the power of grassroots, everyone can participate in it,” Boss said. “Drink those beers and support the community.” 

Prices and types of red and blue beers brewed will vary from location to location and some distributors like Pilgrim’s have agreed to donate profits to the fundraiser. 

Visit redbluefoundation.org or www.redandbluebrewers.org to donate to the “Canfield Incident” and the families of the injured and fallen firefighters. Donations can also be made in person at First Interstate Bank branches.