What We Know About the Idaho Shooting

U.S.|What We Know About the Idaho Shooting

Two firefighters were killed and a third was injured when they were ambushed while responding to a wildfire in the Idaho panhandle on Sunday afternoon, the authorities said.

The incident rattled the city of Coeur d’Alene and the outdoors communities around Canfield Mountain in northwest Idaho, where police said a wildfire was intentionally set to lure the fire crews into an ambush.

The authorities found the body of the suspect with a firearm nearby, according to the police, and they believe he acted alone. Here’s what we know.

What happened?

Around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday, the authorities received a call about a fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular wilderness area on the eastern outskirts of Coeur d’Alene, and dispatched firefighters there.

About 40 minutes later, the firefighters radioed frantically that someone was shooting at them.

Two firefighters were killed, and a third was injured but listed in stable condition, according to Sheriff Robert Norris of Kootenai County in Idaho.

More than 300 law enforcement officers responded, including from the F.B.I., and exchanged fire with the gunman. They located his body in the evening, aided by cellphone data, Sheriff Norris said.

Who is the suspect?

Law enforcement officials said they found a man’s body, but did not give a name or other identifying details. Sheriff Norris said it was unclear how the man had died. His body was moved quickly from where it was found because of the rapidly spreading fire.

Why do police suspect arson?

Naturally occurring wildfires are uncommon on Canfield Mountain, local outdoors officials said. The authorities believe the suspect set the fire intentionally in order to lure fire crews to the area.

Who are the victims?

The authorities have not yet named the killed and wounded firefighters. One of the slain firefighters worked for the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other was from the Kootenai County Fire Department, Sheriff Norris said. The injured firefighter was also with the Kootenai County Fire Department.

Where is Coeur d’Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is in northwest Idaho, about 30 miles east of Spokane. It is known for its outdoors activities, and is near the large Coeur d’Alene Lake, national forestland and mountains, including Canfield Mountain. The mountain features both public and private lands and trails for hiking, mountain biking and motorcycling.

The Idaho panhandle is known for its rugged outdoors, dense national forests and diverse wildlife.