UPDATES WITH DEATH OF SHOOTER; REVISES DECK, LEDE; EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Efe Ozkan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Two firefighters were shot dead Sunday and one injured in the US state of Idaho when a suspect opened fire with a high-powered rifle while they were battling a brush fire. The suspected gunman was later found dead.
The incident began around 1.30 pm local time (1930GMT) after a small brush fire broke out on Canfield Mountain, according to ABC News.
When fire personnel responded to the 20-acre blaze, known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, they started getting shot at by an unknown person in the woods, officials said.
The FBI sent assets to provide tactical and operational support, and SWAT and federal authorities on scene came under "rapid sniper fire."
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
Around 8.55 pm local time (0455GMT), the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said a male was found dead on Canfield Mountain and a firearm was found near the body, leading authorities to lift a local shelter in place order.
The man, whose name is unknown, was identified as the shooter at a later press briefing.
Officials said although the shelter in place was being lifted, there is still an active wildfire.
"Residents in the area are advised to be prepared and ready should further action need to be taken," the office said.
The incident occurred at the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of the city of Coeur d’Alene featuring several hiking and biking trails.