Two people have been fatally shot in a mountain community in the western US state of Idaho while responding to a brush fire, say officials. Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Robert Norris said at least one active shooter was firing at law enforcement with a high-powered rifle near the city of Coeur d'Alene. "We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak," said Sheriff Norris, adding that officers had reported bullets coming from various directions. Residents have been asked to avoid the scene on Canfield Mountain. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said agents were responding to "provide tactical and operational support". Governor Brad Little said "multiple heroic firefighters" were attacked. "This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," the governor posted on X. "I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more." He added: "As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs." Sheriff Norris told a news conference on Sunday that "we don't know if there's one, two, three or four" shooters at the scene, about four miles (6.5km) north of central Coeur d'Alene. "We don't know how many suspects are up there, and we don't know how many casualties there are," he said. Sheriff Norris said authorities believed the two people killed were firemen. "I'm hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralise, because they're not at this point in time showing any evidence of wanting to surrender," the sheriff added. He told reporters there were civilians up on Canfield Mountain, which is crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails, so it "would be safe to assume" others were still up there. Sheriff Norris said the call about the brush fire came in around 13:22 local time (19:22 GMT) on Sunday. At 14:00, firefighters reported shots fired. The brush fire was still burning amid the shootout. Local fire chief Pat Riley told TV station KHQ he was "heartbroken" by the attack. Kootenai County Emergency Management Office sent an alert asking people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road.
Two people shot dead in Idaho while responding to brush fire
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Two Firefighters Killed in Idaho Shooting During Brush Fire Response"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
In a tragic incident in Idaho, two individuals were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire in a mountainous area near Coeur d'Alene. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported that an active shooter was firing upon law enforcement officers with a high-powered rifle. Sheriff Robert Norris indicated that officers were experiencing sniper fire from multiple directions, creating a chaotic and dangerous situation for both emergency responders and the public. Residents in the vicinity of Canfield Mountain have been urged to avoid the area as law enforcement continues to assess the situation. The FBI has deployed agents to provide tactical and operational support, further highlighting the seriousness of the incident. Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a direct assault on firefighters, calling for prayers for the victims and their families during this distressing time. He emphasized the need for the community to allow emergency services to carry out their duties without interference as the situation develops.
Sheriff Norris disclosed that authorities are uncertain about the number of shooters involved, stating, "we don't know if there's one, two, three or four" at the scene. The sheriff expressed concern for the safety of civilians who might still be on Canfield Mountain, which features numerous hiking and biking trails. The emergency call regarding the brush fire was received around 1:22 PM local time, and reports of gunfire from firefighters followed shortly thereafter. Despite the ongoing shootout, the brush fire remains active, complicating the emergency response. Local fire chief Pat Riley expressed deep sorrow over the attack, underscoring the danger faced by firefighters in the line of duty. The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office issued alerts advising the public to stay away from the areas surrounding Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road as the situation continues to unfold.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.