In Ambush, the 'Firefighters Didn't Have a Chance'

Details remained scant on Monday morning following an ambush shooting attack on firefighters in Idaho, but one thing was clear: "These firefighters did not have a chance," said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, reports the Spokesman-Review. The attack unfolded near Coeur d'Alene on Sunday afternoon when firefighters responded to a call about a wildfire. Details:

• Casualties: Authorities say a gunman opened fire about 2pm, shortly after firefighters began battling the blaze in hilly terrain about 30 miles east of Spokane, per NBC News. Two firefighters were killed, and a third is "fighting for his life" after surgery, says Norris.

• Shooter: Police exchanged gunfire with the shooter, and authorities used cellphone data to zero in on his location in the hilly terrain, reports the Washington Post. They found a suspect dead at the site, though it remained unclear whether he took his own life or was killed by police gunfire. Police have not identified the gunman or suggested a motive.
• A trap: "We do believe ... that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional," Norris said. "This was a total ambush" and a "heinous act."
• Weapon: Harris said the gunman had a "high-powered rifle," adding that it was possible they would find more weapons at the scene once the fire was fully under control.