2 Idaho firefighters killed after gunman started blaze to lure them into an ambush, authorities say

Two firefighters were killed and another wounded in northwest Idaho on Sunday when a gunman started a fire and then ambushed the responding firefighters, authorities said

Two firefighters were killed and another wounded in northwest Idaho on Sunday when a gunman started a fire and then ambushed the responding firefighters, authorities said.

The third firefighter was stable but “fighting for his life” in the Kootenai Health campus in Coeur d’Alene, about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said at a news conference.

Details about what was described as a “heinous act” that has shocked the local community were scarce.

“We do believe ... that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said. “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Norris also said the unidentified suspect was found dead on Canfield Mountain with a gun nearby. Officers exchanged fire with him, although it’s not clear whether police killed him, and no clear motive has been established.