Tragedy in Idaho: Two Firefighters Killed in Ambush by Lone Gunman, Authorities Confirm

In a shocking turn of events, two firefighters have lost their lives and a third is fighting for his life in a critical condition, following an ambush attack in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The attack took place during a response to a fire at Canfield Mountain, approximately 260 miles east of Seattle.

According to Sheriff Bob Norris, the gunman started the fire, luring firefighters to the scene before opening fire, leading to a several-hour standoff between the attacker and first responders. The suspect, who acted alone, was later found deceased near the scene.

The harrowing incident occurred when firefighters were initially called to the mountainside community around 13:21 PST (20:21 GMT) on Sunday afternoon. Reports of gunfire emerged approximately 40 minutes later. Over 300 law enforcement officers from city, county, state, and federal levels responded to the scene, including two helicopters equipped with snipers.

The gunman used a high-powered sporting rifle to fire repeatedly at first responders, initially leaving officers uncertain of the number of perpetrators involved. The suspect was eventually located using mobile phone location information, but it remains unclear whether he took his own life or was hit by an officer.

Authorities have yet to disclose details about the weapons recovered, but expect to find more at the scene once the fire is extinguished. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and Sheriff Norris has not provided any details on the suspect.

The identities of the two firefighters who lost their lives and the third who was critically wounded have not been released. A shelter-in-place order, which instructs residents to remain indoors during an emergency, was lifted seven hours later.

Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union, confirmed that two of its members had been killed in the attack. Local fire chief Pat Riley expressed his sorrow over the incident.

Residents of Coeur d'Alene, a city of around 56,000 people situated near the Washington state border, were left stunned by the attack. Coeur d'Alene resident Linda Tiger, 80, told the BBC, "This has never happened here. But it goes to show that no one is safe from this kind of mental sadness."

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and to ensure the safety of the community. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the scene and refrain from flying drones over the area.