Context:

A gunman in Idaho deliberately ignited a wildfire and ambushed responding firefighters, resulting in the deaths of two firefighters and injury of another. The assailant, whose identity and motives remain unknown, was involved in a shootout with law enforcement before being found dead on the mountain. The incident occurred on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, where the suspect appeared to have acted alone. Over 300 law enforcement officers, along with the FBI, responded to the scene to assist local authorities. The attack shocked the community, as the area was previously considered safe and had not experienced a naturally caused wildfire in decades.

Dive Deeper:

• Firefighters were ambushed by a gunman while responding to a deliberately set wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Idaho, resulting in two deaths and one injury among the firefighters. The attack was described by the local sheriff as a 'total ambush,' leaving the firefighters without a chance to defend themselves.

• The suspect initiated a wildfire to lure the firefighters and then opened fire on them. Law enforcement engaged in a shootout with the suspect before his body, with a firearm nearby, was discovered on the mountain, suggesting he acted alone.

• The sheriff confirmed that over 300 law enforcement officers, including FBI agents, responded to the scene to aid local authorities in managing the crisis and locating the suspect using cellphone data.

• The identities of the deceased firefighters, one from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and the other from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, have not been released, though the injured firefighter is reported to be in stable condition.

• The Canfield Mountain area, known for its recreational trails and safety, was thrown into chaos during the incident, with hikers and bikers present during the gunfire, highlighting the unexpected and shocking nature of the attack.

• Witnesses, including a mountain biker who heard the gunshots, shared their disbelief and heartbreak over the incident, noting the increased wildfire danger due to recent dry conditions in northern Idaho.

• Community members, like Graham Christensen, expressed their shock at the attack, emphasizing that the area had not experienced a naturally caused wildfire in over twenty years, making the deliberate attack even more unsettling.