Gunman Starts Idaho Wildfire, Kills 2 Firefighters in Ambush Attack

A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire in a northern Idaho mountain community and then shot at first responders, killing two firefighters and injuring a third. The suspect's body was found in a wooded area with a firearm nearby as flames approached. The incident was believed to be intentional and an ambush attack.

The gunman acted alone, and law enforcement confirmed he was the only shooter. Three victims were taken to the hospital, with two pronounced dead on arrival and the third in stable condition after surgery. The scene was chaotic as firefighters came under heavy fire while battling the blaze.

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a direct assault on firefighters and urged prayers for the victims and their families. The FBI and local authorities responded to the scene, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted but residents were advised to remain prepared as the fire continued to burn.

The Idaho House Republican Leadership expressed shock and horror at the attack, offering prayers for the victims and their families. Coeur d'Alene, where the incident occurred, is a city near the Washington border known for its outdoor recreational areas.

Residents in the area were asked to avoid certain trails and roads as the investigation continued. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by first responders and the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region.