An armed individual or individuals is currently shooting at first responders at the scene of an ongoing brush fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, likely killing two first responders, according to officials.
The ambush took place as fire crews were responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain.
Two died as a result of the shooting, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said at a Sunday afternoon press briefing. The official said he believed the deceased are firefighters, but had not been able to confirm that information.
No police officers have been hit in the shooting so far, he said, though first responders continue to take active “sniper fire” from what appear to be multiple positions.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” Governor Brad Little wrote on X. “This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”
The suspect or suspects is still at large.
Others were injured in the shooting, though an official count is yet to be published.
The sheriff added that officials are unsure the total number of suspects, and warned the crisis could spiral into a “multi-day situation” if the threat isn’t headed off quickly.
“I’m hoping somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize them,” he said. “They are not at this point showing any evidence of wanting to surrender.”
The police official said the shots fired so far appeared to come from high-powered rifles.
Shelter in place orders for Canfield Mountain Trailhead and the surrounding area are in place, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s office told ABC News.
“FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X. “It is an active scene.”
A Department of Homeland Security helicopter was reportedly seen among the law enforcement assets arriving on the scene, alongside armored vehicles and numerous SWAT police.
The Independent has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment.
US Forest Service law enforcement and firefighting personnel are assisting in the response, the US Secretary of Agriculture wrote on X.
The shooting began around 2pm and multiple shots were fired, according to the sheriff’s office.
Police are probing whether the fire was set to lure first responders to the area.
Bystanders were reportedly still coming down from the mountain on Sunday afternoon.
Fire crews are unable to continue fully battling the blaze until the security threat is over, according to officials. The initial call about the fire came in around 1:22pm local time on Sunday.
The Independent has contacted the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Northern Lakes Fire Protection District for comment.
Idaho officials condemned the violence and prayed for the safety of the wounded and the first responders at the scene.
“I am monitoring the horrific reports out of Coeur d’Alene this evening,” Senator Mike Crapo wrote on X. “I urge local residents to follow recommendations of law enforcement. My prayers are with victims and first responders.”
A large group of fire trucks and ambulances were seen outside Kootenai Health hospital in Coeur d’Alene.
An infamous 11-day standoff between Randy Weaver and federal agents in Northern Idaho, about 75 miles north of Canfield Mountain at Ruby Ridge, resulted in three deaths and helped kick off the modern-day right-wing militia movement.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
