Two firefighters killed, one injured in Idaho after shooter ambushed them by starting fire

Two firefighters were killed and one was severely injured Sunday in Idaho when a shooter ambushed them by starting a fire.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said that after firefighters responded to a report of a brush fire at Canfield Mountain, a scenic hiking and biking area, a shooter began firing at them, according to the Associated Press. He said that the fire was set to lure the firefighters into an ambush.

Law enforcement responded, locked down nearby neighborhoods and tried to find the shooter among the hilly terrain with trees, brush, and smoke from the fire. The suspected shooter was later found with a gun beside him. 

The deceased as of Monday have been identified only as a member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and a member of the Kootenai County Fire and Rescue both died after being shot. A third shooting victim made it through surgery and was “fighting for his life,” Norris said Sunday night.

Authorities used cellphone data to narrow their search for the shooter and found a cell signal around 3:15 p.m., which had not changed location for some time, Norris said.

A tactical response team found a deceased man with a weapon nearby at the location of the cell signal. Norris said that officials believe the man was the shooter, and investigators said he acted alone.

Authorities had to “scoop the body up” because the fire was burning nearby, Norris said. He added that the investigation would continue Monday morning, and crews were stationed around the area overnight.

Once investigators are able to fully search the area, they believe they may find more weapons that were placed by the suspect, Norris said.

About 300 law enforcement officials responded to the shooting, including agencies from neighboring counties and the FBI, CNN reported.

The fire is covering an estimated 15 to 20 acres, and firefighting crews and equipment have been ordered and are expected to start work on Monday, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.

“Crews were unable to access the fire until it was deemed safe, at around 7:30 p.m.,” the department said, which was when law enforcement found the shooter's body.