On June 29 (local time), two US firefighters were killed in an ambush while participating in extinguishing a fire in the mountainous areas of Canfield, Idaho state. Local police said the suspect had not been arrested and were investigating the possibility that the forest fire was set off intentionally to lure rescue forces into the trap.
The fire broke out at Canfield Mountain, a popular spot for mountain climbing and cycling. Firefighting units were dispatched to the scene at around 1:30 am on June 29. The gun exploded shortly after, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.
Police Chief Robert Norris said law enforcement received fire from guns as they approached the scene. The suspect is believed to have used a large-capacity rifle and taken advantage of the rugged terrain to hide. We dont know how many suspects there are, he said, expressing hope someone could nullify the suspect because the subject had no signs of wanting to surrender.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI) has mobilized forces to provide tactical and combat support. A police helicopter was dispatched but forced to withdraw due to being shot from the ground.
Lieutenant Jeff Howard said authorities suspect the fire was caused for the purpose of sending firefighters into the ambush area. Some people, including climbers, were seen fleeing the area. Police warned that some people may be trapped between the fire and the gunman.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident "an inhumane direct attack on our brave firefighters."
The attack shocked public opinion and raised many questions about the safety of rescue forces in the context of increasing natural disasters.
