Gunman started Idaho blaze and then fatally shot 2 firefighters in ambush attack, officials say

 BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire Sunday and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said.

2 firefighters shot dead, 1 injured after ‘sniper’ ambushes crew responding to Idaho blaze: ‘Did not have a chance’

A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cell phone data to “hone in” on a wooded area where they found the suspect’s body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said.

Officials did not release his name, nor did they say what kind of gun was found.

“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Sheriff’s officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene around 1:30 p.m., and gunshots were reported about a half hour later.

Investigators said the gunman acted alone.

“We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,” Norris said.

Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, said hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was “fighting for his life” after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said.

The scene was sheer pandemonium as the brush fire burned and firefighters rushed to the scene only to come under heavy fire.

🧭 Context & Significance

This appears to be a pre‑meditated ambush where the fire was intentionally set to draw in first responders. According to Sheriff Norris, it was a calculated attack with rifle fire from a hidden position targeting firefighters combating the blaze

Canfield Mountain is a wooded, rugged area just north of Coeur d’Alene, used for recreational hiking and biking—making it a difficult terrain for quick rescues and tactical response

Canfield Mountain is a wooded, rugged area just north of Coeur d’Alene, used for recreational hiking and biking—making it a difficult terrain for quick rescues and tactical response. The incident has been called “a heinous assault” by state officials, and the community is in mourning as crews continue to battle the blaze.

Official Statements & Community Response

• Sheriff’s Warnings: Sheriff Norris described the terrain as “rugged” and full of heavy brush, ideal for concealment. He cautioned that responders “did not have a chance”

•  Governor’s Remarks: Gov. Brad Little called it a “heinous direct assault” and asked residents to pray for the firefighters and their families 

• Local Advisory: Emergency officials urged people to stay away from the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road area, about 4 miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene FBI Involvement: The FBI deployed both technical and tactical units to assist in securing the scene and supporting the investigation.