Two firefighters were killed and a third was injured when first responders were ambushed by an hours-long barrage of gunfire after arriving at the scene of a blaze in Idaho Sunday afternoon, authorities said. 

The horrific attack, which began around 2 p.m. local time on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, ended about five hours later when SWAT teams discovered the lifeless body of a man next to a firearm on the popular tourist trail, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. 

“This was a total ambush, these firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Bob Norris told reporters after the massive manhunt, assuring the community there is no longer an active threat.

At least two people were killed after a gunman allegedly opened fire Sunday. KXLY

“We have currently one dead shooter based on the preliminary investigation that was being conducted. Keep in mind we had a fire that was rapidly approaching the body so we had to scoop up that body and we had to transport that body to a different location. We believe that it is the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time.”

Police have not released the suspected gunman’s identity, the type of weapon recovered at the gruesome scene, or the cause of his death. 

A motive remains under investigation but police believe the fire was intentionally set to lure first responders into a deadly trap. 

The two people killed in the shootout are believed to be fire personnel. REUTERS

“We do believe that the suspect started the fire and we do believe it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris said. 

A Coeur d’Alene firefighter and a Kootenai County Fire and Rescue member were shot dead in the sudden strike.

The third victim, a Coeur d’Alene firefighter who was shot during the violent surprise attack, is recovering at Kootenai Health after undergoing surgery. 

Deputies have not yet determined whether there is a single shooter or multiple suspects involved. REUTERS

“He is fighting for his life but he’s in stable condition,” the sheriff added. 

No other first responders or civilians were hurt in the ruthless rampage.

The deadly shooting erupted roughly 30 minutes after first responders were called to a small but active brush fire on the east side of the mountain.

As fire crews moved in to tackle the blaze, bullets suddenly rained down from multiple directions shot by an unknown assailant hiding in the woods, officials said.  

Police on the scene in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. KXLY

“We knew that our resources were exhausted and if this were to prolong into a 24- to 48-hour operation we would need additional helicopters,” Norris said of the relentless gunfight. 

“We had two helicopters that were up and we had snipers in them, so if they had an opportunity to take a shot we wanted them to take that shot. We wanted to neutralize that threat.”

The FBI responded to the scene providing tactical and operational support, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said, with about 300 first responders also on site from state and local agencies.

First responders at the scene of a shooting. KREM 2

Meanwhile, the nearly 20-acre brush fire has continued to rage on as authorities had been too busy responding to the shooting to fight the blaze. 

“It’s going to keep burning. Can’t put any resources on it right now,” Norris said before the suspected gunman was found dead.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little urged the public to avoid the area. KREM 2

Shelter-in-place orders were issued for nearby residents. REUTERS

Idaho Gov. Brad Little urged the public to avoid the area when shelter-in-place orders were issued for the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and nearby areas.

“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” Little said in a post on X.

“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.”

Earlier shelter-in-place orders have since been lifted, but police cautioned residents that the fire remains active.