Photo: Screenshot / Krem2
US authorities found the body of a lone gunman suspected of starting a wildfire then shooting at firefighters tackling the blaze in the northwestern state of Idaho, killing two.
The suspected shooter was found dead with a firearm on Canfield Mountain in Kootenai County - a popular park and hiking area - following an hours-long standoff as the fire raged.
"Based on preliminary information we believe that was the only shooter," Kootenai County's Sheriff Robert Norris told a news conference on Sunday evening, local time, adding "there is no threat to the community at this time."
Norris said authorities believed the fire was "intentional", without providing details on the shooter's identity.
UPDATE ON IDAHO SHOOTING: Kootenai County Sheriff says they located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain with a gun. The sheriff will be holding a press conference at 10:30 p.m. Mountain Time. NBC will have live coverage: https://t.co/QNzTP1Y18N pic.twitter.com/tz1P7Yr7FN
— KTVH (@KTVHNews) June 30, 2025
"We do believe that the suspect started the fire and that it was an ambush, and it was intentional," he told reporters.
"These firefighters did not have a chance."
About 300 law enforcement officers were deployed to the scene.
Multiple firefighters have been shot while responding to a scrub fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Photo: Screenshot / Krem2
Two firefighters were shot dead, while a third was wounded and taken to hospital for surgery.
"He is fighting for his life, but he's in stable condition," Norris said.
The attack was carried out with high-powered rifles, the sheriff told an earlier news conference.
Local TV footage showed dense white smoke billowing above a hilly, forested area. Authorities warned on Sunday evening that the wildfire was still active.
'Heartbroken'
Local fire chief Pat Riley said he was "heartbroken" by the attack.
He told local TV station KHQ that no evacuations had been ordered, though the fire was still burning.
Asked if there was a concern about the fire spreading, he told KHQ: "Yes there is. To what extent, I can't say, because we can't get people to where the fire's at."
Serious gun violence is common across the United States, where many states have few barriers to the purchasing of firearms, despite widespread support for greater gun control.
There have been 189 mass shootings in the United States this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive - which it defines as four or more people shot.
Idaho Governor Brad Little described the attack as a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters."
He said in a social media post he was "heartbroken" by the attack.
The incident was in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of the city. There are several hiking and biking trails and heavy tree cover.
- Agence France-Presse
