The fire in the US state of Idaho, where the shooting took place, was arranged specifically to catch the rescuers who arrived by surprise, NBC reports, citing local officials.
Earlier, ABC reported that two firefighters died in Idaho as a result of an attack by a criminal while extinguishing a forest fire.
"Officials say that firefighters arrived at a deliberately created fire, after which they started shooting at them, adding that the word "ambush" accurately describes what happened to the first arrivals at the scene," the TV channel points out.
An official from the central authorities also told the TV channel that preliminary estimates indicate that the arson was committed to create a trap for firefighters.
The TV channel clarifies that the security forces found a dead man and a weapon next to him in the area where the shooting was conducted. The requirement for residents to take shelter at home has been canceled.