Two firefighters were killed and another critically injured in Idaho after an unidentified gunman opened fire on emergency crews responding to a deliberately set blaze on Sunday.
The attacker allegedly started a fire on Canfield Mountain outside Coeur d'Alene to lure first responders into what authorities called a "total ambush".
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said the attack began around 2pm when firefighters conducting reconnaissance on the reported blaze suddenly came under fire.
Norris said: "These firefighters did not have a chance."
Two firefighters were killed and another critically injured in Idaho after an unidentified gunman opened fire on emergency crews responding to a deliberately set blaze on Sunday
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One firefighter from Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue died at the scene.
A third firefighter underwent surgery and remains in stable condition while "fighting for his life".
Harrowing scanner calls captured the terror as events unfolded.
One firefighter cried out: "Send law enforcement right now! There's an active shooter zone."
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Emergency crews were forced to retreat while the blaze grew to 20 acres
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The same firefighter continued: "Everybody's shot up here!" warning colleagues: "Stop. Do not come up here."
The firefighter reported two battalion chiefs were "down" and he was "pinned", later saying: "It's clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in."
Emergency crews were forced to retreat while the blaze grew to 20 acres, with rapid gunfire prompting the evacuation of the nearby Fernan Gun Club.
SWAT teams eventually traced the shooter through a mobile phone signal.
Officers discovered the gunman dead with a firearm nearby on Sunday evening
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Officers discovered the gunman dead with a firearm nearby on Sunday evening, and quickly removed his body as the fire spread.
Sheriff Norris authorised officers to shoot to kill the gunman at around 4.30pm, deploying two helicopters with snipers.
He said: "I am hoping someone has a clear shot, they are not showing any signs of wanting to surrender."
Multiple agencies responded, with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming assets were providing "tactical and operational support".
The US Forest Service deployed additional firefighting and law enforcement resources
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The US Forest Service deployed additional firefighting and law enforcement resources.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters", asking residents to pray for victims and their families.
Norris explained: "Authorities believe the deceased gunman acted alone "based on the trajectory [of the bullets] and based on the type of weapons that this individual had that we could recover."
The suspect's motive remains unclear, with investigations continuing.
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