TWO people have died after firefighters were ambushed and shot at with snipers while responding to a bait brush fire in Idaho.
The teams encountered intense sniper fire when they reached Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, resulting in multiple injuries as reported by the police.
An active shooter alert was issued by Kootenai Country Sheriff’s Office and locals were told to stay inside.
Reports of the brush fire came in at 1:21pm, and the responding crews were shot at when they arrived.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said in a press conference on Sunday afternoon: “We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four” gunmen.
He said the authorities were still taking active sniper fire and “we might have civilians who are stuck or in shock on the mountain”.
Norris said: “We are prepared to neutralise this suspect who is currently, actively shooting at public safety personnel.”
People were evacuated from the Fernan Gun Club and told there was a sniper in the area.
Live reports show police cars lining a road and armed officers stalking the area.
Fire crews say the blaze remains active.
Law enforcement agencies from neighboring Spokane were drafted in to provide assistance.
An air ambulance attended to provide urgent care to the injured.
Two police choppers also flew in to help search for the gunman.
Exact casualty numbers are not yet known as the situation continues to unfold.
Idaho Governor Brad Little reacted to the targeted shooting of firefighters via a post on X.
He said: “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho.
“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.
“Teresa and I are devastated. As the situation continues to unfold, we urge everyone to avoid the area to ensure that law enforcement and firefighters can carry out their duties without obstruction.”
