2 dead after firefighters ambushed by gunman while responding to brush fire in Idaho: Sheriff

Two individuals tragically lost their lives after firefighters were ambushed by a gunman while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, according to officials. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris stated during a press briefing that the extent of injuries sustained by others in the attack remains unknown.

At present, civilians are descending from the mountain and may be stranded amidst the blaze, Sheriff Norris reported. The incident transpired around 1:30 p.m. local time after a small brush fire erupted on Canfield Mountain on Sunday afternoon. Approximately thirty minutes later, when fire personnel arrived at the scene, they came under fire from an unidentified individual in the woods.

Authorities are probing whether the fire was deliberately set to lure first responders to the location, as per Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard. The search for the suspect is ongoing, with law enforcement officials conducting aerial searches using a police helicopter to pinpoint the assailant’s whereabouts in the mountainous terrain.

Given the shooter’s continued at-large status, landing the helicopter to provide ground support has proven challenging. The situation is classified as an active shooter scenario, prompting a shelter-in-place directive for Canfield Mountain Trailhead and its environs. The FBI is collaborating with local authorities in Kootenai County to address the situation.

Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He urged Idahoans to keep the affected firefighters and their families in their thoughts and prayers as more information unfolds. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has also been briefed on the incident.

This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as new details emerge.