Tragic Idaho Wildfire: Man Starts Blaze, Then Ambushes and Kills Two Firefighters, Say Authorities

Local authorities in northern Idaho are investigating a tragic incident on Canfield Mountain. A man, armed with a rifle, started a fire and then opened fire on firefighters who responded to the scene. Tragically, two firefighters were killed, and one was injured.

Sheriff Bob Norris from Kootenai County confirmed that the body of the shooter was found on the mountain, with a weapon located nearby. Authorities believe this person acted alone and that the shootings were premeditated. "This was an ambush," Norris stated. "The firefighters had no chance."

Earlier in the day, a shelter-in-place order was lifted, as investigators worked through a timeline of events:

• At 1:21 p.m., the wildfire was first reported.
• By 2 p.m., firefighters encountered gunfire.
• A cell phone signal led responders to the suspect’s body around 3:15 p.m.

Experts emphasize the dangers firefighters face in such situations. While they are trained for many emergencies, ambushes are not typically part of their training. Firefighter safety is crucial, and this incident shines a light on potential vulnerabilities in emergency response protocols.

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous direct assault" on brave firefighters. As the investigation continues, more evidence may surface, but initial findings suggest that the shooter fired while moving around the site.

This event raises concerns not only about public safety but also about the increasing risks emergency responders face. In 2023, statistics showed a rise in aggression towards first responders. The situation in Idaho is a stark reminder of the dangers they encounter daily on the front lines.

For further insights on firefighter safety, consider checking out resources from the National Fire Protection Association here.

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