At least 2 dead after firefighters became ambush while responding to blaze

At least two people were killed after a shooter opened fire to firefighters who responded to a wildfire in Idaho in a situation that remains active.

According to Kootenai County Sheriff’s OfficeFirefighters with the county’s fire and rescue service responded to a brush fire at Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene – located about 30 miles from Spokane, Wash. – About 13:30 local time on Sunday 29 June.

About half an hour later, a shooter or possibly several weapons men-with “modern sports rifle”, said sheriff Robert Norris at a news conference later in the afternoon, Per East Idaho News.

Norris said that investigators still “actively take a snike shooter” from 17:00 local time, and that the gunman or gunmen show “no sign of wanting to surrender.” The authorities have not yet shared a motive for shooting, and the wildfire is still burning.

“We don’t know if there is one, two, three or four (shooters),” said Norris during the press conference, Per KxlyAdds that officers on stage have reported that he saw bullets come from several directions.

“We will neutralize this threat,” Norris added.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt Jeff Howard told ABC News that officials investigate whether the fire could intentionally attract the first respondents on the stage.

Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, divided into a post on X That two firefighters were killed by the snike shooter and a third “remains in surgery.” He called the ambush a “disgusting act of violence.”

An unknown number of people are injured, and hikers and local residents are caught on the mountain as shooting continues, Norris said.

“We still have civilians who come from that mountain. We may have civilians who are firm or in shock on that mountain, so this is a very, very new situation,” Norris said.

FBI’s Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in A social media post that the FBI agents were about to provide “tactical and operational support” to local authorities.

During the press conference, Norris added that this could probably be a “multi -day operation.”

“It will be a tough next couple of hours … I hope someone has a clear shot and can neutralize because they are not, at this time, shows some evidence that he wants to hand over,” he told reporters.

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Several politicians have spoken to condemn shooting, including Idaho Gov. Brad Littlewho wrote on social media: “This is a disgusting attack on our brave firefighters.”

“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” he continued. “Teresa and I are heartbroken. When this situation is still developing, please keep clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

The fire and shooting have erupted in Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24 acre park on the eastern side of Coeur d’Alene which has several hiking trails and heavy brush.

The Sheriff’s office has announced that the area south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street in Coeur d’Alene has been issued a warning of protection.

This is a developing story.