Authorities believe that the “total ambush” that killed two firefighters and injured a third in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was carried out by a lone gunman who intentionally set the fire to lure first responders.
Earlier on Sunday authorities said that firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain had come under sniper fire.
Later, a man’s body was found near a firearm on Canfield Mountain, and officials suspect he was the shooter, though his identity has not yet been confirmed.
“Based on the preliminary information, we believe that was the only shooter up on that mountain at that time,” Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said. “There is no threat to the community at this time.”
Norris said it remains unclear whether the man found dead near the firearm died by suicide, and he declined to comment on any possible motive.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Norris said.
Fire was intentionally set to lure first responders
Officials say the fire was intentionally set by the suspected shooter to lure first responders, and early findings indicate there was likely only one gunman involved.
It was a “total ambush”, and it was “unfortunate”, Sheriff Bob Norris said during the press conference.
Timeline of the Coeur d’Alene shooting
Sunday, around 1.30pm local time: Fire crews respond to a reported brush fire on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene in Idaho.
Around 2pm: Gunfire erupts. First responders come under sniper fire.
Afternoon: Sheriff Bob Norris confirms “active sniper fire” and orders deputies to return fire. Authorities unsure how many shooters or victims there are. Kootenai County Emergency Management issues a shelter-in-place order for the area.
Afternoon: Three victims, all firefighters, are brought to Kootenai Health hospital. Two are dead on arrival; one is injured and undergoing treatment.
Throughout the afternoon: Law enforcement, including the FBI, flooded the area. A command post is established. Tactical units are deployed. Governor Brad Little calls the attack a “heinous assault” and asks Idahoans to pray for the victims.
Evening: A SWAT team discovers a man’s body with a firearm nearby on Canfield Mountain. Authorities lift the shelter-in-place order, but warn that the wildfire is still active.
Later Sunday night: Investigation ongoing, shooter’s identity and motive not yet confirmed.
Authorities say the fire was deliberately set to ambush firefighters
The fire that brought first responders to Canfield Mountain was deliberately set, according to officials from Idaho’s Northern Lakes Fire District, NBC reported.
Firefighters were met with gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene, and authorities say the word “ambush” accurately describes what happened to those first on site.
A federal official, speaking on condition of anonymity to the outlet, confirmed early indications that the attack was carried out in ambush style.
Body with firearm found on Canfield Mountain
A SWAT team has found the body of a man on Canfield Mountain, along with a firearm nearby, according to Kootenai County Emergency Management.
The “shelter in place” order was lifted, although authorities warn the wildfire in the area remains active.
Residents have been urged to stay alert and be prepared in case further action is needed.
Third firefighter critically injured in the shooting
After authorities confirmed two fatalities, reports are now emerging of another firefighter being injured in the Coeur d’Alene shooting.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), a firefighter remains in surgery after two firefighters were killed.
The third firefighter was critically injured when a sniper opened fire on crews responding to the blaze on Canfield Mountain.
The injured firefighter is still undergoing surgery, the union said in a post on X.
The IAFF, which represents emergency workers across the US and Canada, described the incident as a “heinous act of violence”.
Multi-day operation if shooters are not neutralised quickly, sheriff warns
Kootenai County sheriff Robert Norris says that there is at least one active shooter firing at law enforcement with a high-powered rifle.
“If these individuals are not neutralised quickly, this is going to be a likely a multi-day operation,” he said.
He said that officers had reported bullets coming in from different directions.
“We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” said Sheriff Norris from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in a press conference.
“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” he said earlier.
He said that the shooter or shooters showed “no sign of wanting to surrender”.
Two firefighters fatally shot dead while responding to brushfire in Coeur d’Alene
Two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire near Coeur d’Alene in western Idaho.
Officials say they were ambushed by one or more shooters hiding in dense brush and firing from multiple positions, possibly with high-powered rifles.
Firefighting efforts have been halted due to the threat, and a shelter-in-place order is in effect for the residents.
Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous assault” on “brave firefighters”.
Source: independent.co.uk