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At least two first responders were killed and numerous others were injured after they responded to a fire in Idaho and were shot at, in what authorities have described as an ambush.
An unknown number of assailants allegedly set the blaze as bait for the first responders in Coeur d'Alene and began firing as they arrived on the scene at around 2pm, authorities said at a news conference Sunday night.
The suspects, who are believed to have been using a high-powered rifle, were still firing at the time.
We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,' Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris announced. 'We're taking rapid fire.'
He added that authorities are trying to take the suspect into custody, but noted that the heavy brush is making it difficult to apprehend him.
Norris then gave police the authority to shoot to kill if they are given the opportunity, as authorities worry about the civilians who may still be stuck on Canfield Mountain.
'I am hoping someone has a clear shot, they are not showing any signs of wanting to surrender,' the sheriff said of the shooters, adding that it is 'going to be a tough couple of hours' as the fire continues to burn.
Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley had earlier explained to KHQ that the fire crews were forced to pull back as the shooting began.
He then said at the news conference that he is not deploying any more firefighters to the area until the threat is neutralized.
In the meantime, residents are being asked to avoid the area, and those who are stuck on the mountain are urged to shelter in place.
Meanwhile, authorities from Spokane, Washington are heading south to provide assistance in what they described on social media as an 'active, ongoing incident' on East Nettleton Gulch Road.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also confirmed on social media that assets are heading to the scene to provide 'tactical and operational support.'
Additionally, law enforcement agents and medical professionals are on standby at Kootenai Health as the number of officers and firefighters who were injured in the attack remains unclear.
But in harrowing radio traffic posted online, one firefighter could be heard screaming, 'Send law enforcement right now, there's an active shooter zone.'
He could later be heard warning his fellow firefighters, 'Stop. Do not come up here.'
'My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken,' Riley told KHQ.
'We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.'
Local reports indicate Life Flight helicopters have been deployed to the scene, and photos and videos posted online show a large police presence in the city.
The shooting prompted the evacuation of the Fernan Gun Club, whose members were told there was a sniper in the area, the Coeur d'Alene Press reports.
Coeur d'Alene firefighters and police injured in Idaho shooting
after suspect 'started blaze as bait'
At least two first responders were killed and numerous others were injured after they responded to a fire in Idaho and were shot at, in what authorities have described as an ambush.
An unknown number of assailants allegedly set the blaze as bait for the first responders in Coeur d'Alene and began firing as they arrived on the scene at around 2pm, authorities said at a news conference Sunday night.
The suspects, who are believed to have been using a high-powered rifle, were still firing at the time.
We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,' Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris announced. 'We're taking rapid fire.'
He added that authorities are trying to take the suspect into custody, but noted that the heavy brush is making it difficult to apprehend him.
Norris then gave police the authority to shoot to kill if they are given the opportunity, as authorities worry about the civilians who may still be stuck on Canfield Mountain.
'I am hoping someone has a clear shot, they are not showing any signs of wanting to surrender,' the sheriff said of the shooters, adding that it is 'going to be a tough couple of hours' as the fire continues to burn.
Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley had earlier explained to KHQ that the fire crews were forced to pull back as the shooting began.
He then said at the news conference that he is not deploying any more firefighters to the area until the threat is neutralized.
In the meantime, residents are being asked to avoid the area, and those who are stuck on the mountain are urged to shelter in place.
Meanwhile, authorities from Spokane, Washington are heading south to provide assistance in what they described on social media as an 'active, ongoing incident' on East Nettleton Gulch Road.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino also confirmed on social media that assets are heading to the scene to provide 'tactical and operational support.'
Additionally, law enforcement agents and medical professionals are on standby at Kootenai Health as the number of officers and firefighters who were injured in the attack remains unclear.
But in harrowing radio traffic posted online, one firefighter could be heard screaming, 'Send law enforcement right now, there's an active shooter zone.'
He could later be heard warning his fellow firefighters, 'Stop. Do not come up here.'
'My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken,' Riley told KHQ.
'We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.'
Local reports indicate Life Flight helicopters have been deployed to the scene, and photos and videos posted online show a large police presence in the city.
The shooting prompted the evacuation of the Fernan Gun Club, whose members were told there was a sniper in the area, the Coeur d'Alene Press reports.
Coeur d'Alene firefighters and police injured in Idaho shooting
