Police Responding to Shooting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

U.S.|2 Dead as Firefighters Targeted in Shooting in Idaho, Officials Say

At least two people were killed in Idaho as firefighters were ambushed while responding to a call on Sunday, the authorities said, adding that it was unclear how many people might have targeted the emergency responders but that they remained at large.

Sheriff Robert Norris of Kootenai County said at an evening news conference that the number of causalities was unknown and “we are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”

He said it was not clear if there was more than one shooter involved in the attack.

“We don’t know who the suspects are,” he said. “We don’t know how many there are.” He added: “We don’t know if it’s one, two, three or four.”

“If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this will likely be a multiday operation,” he added.

Sheriff Norris said that the authorities were taking “rapid fire out there.” He added it appeared that “high-powered rifles” were being used, and the shooters were in “heavy brush, well prepared, they are blending in with their surroundings.”

Gov. Brad Little of Idaho on social media called the attack “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”

“As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs,” he said.

The Kootenai County Fire Department responded to the wildfire around 1:21 p.m. local time. A short time later, shots were fired on Canfield Mountain, officials said

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office asked residents on Facebook to avoid Coeur d’Alene.

The post said that “we are dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large” and asked residents not to call the office for more information.

Kootenai County Emergency Management told residents to shelter in place and avoid the area near Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road. The office expanded the alert to include an area south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street.

It urged residents to avoid the area “due to law enforcement activity.”

The F.B.I. confirmed they are on scene and helping the local authorities.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.