Idaho firefighters shooting: 2 killed in mountainside ambush

Authorities in Idaho said at least two people were killed Sunday in an active shooter situation that involved firefighters responding to a fire in Coeur d’Alene, a city in the northern part of the state. 

Idaho firefighters attacked

What we know:

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris held a press conference confirming the deaths of two people, and said that police were still taking rapid sniper fire and were prepared to “neutralize” the suspect as quickly as possible. 

He said it appeared the shooter was using a modern-day sporting rifle. “It appears high-powered rifles are being used,” he said.

What we don’t know:

It’s unknown if the deceased were firefighters, suspects, other first responders or civilians. It’s also unclear how many others were hurt, if any.

Authorities don’t know who is shooting, or if more than one person was firing shots. 

Coeur d’Alene fire

Big picture view:

Norris said firefighters got the initial report of a fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain around 1:20 p.m. local time. 

He said around 40 minutes later, they had reports that firefighters were being shot at.

He said the fire is still burning because they’re unable to put more resources at it due to the sniper threat.

What they’re saying:

“We have an unknown amount of casualties,” Norris said at the press conference. “We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain. We might have civilians that are stuck or in shock on that mountain, so this is a very, very fresh situation.”

Idaho’s governor, Brad Little, posted on social media about the attack, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”

What’s next:

Norris said authorities would likely hold another press conference later Sunday night, or release more details later in a press release.

Meanwhile, authorities are working to apprehend the suspect or suspects, get the people off the mountain and keep the fire at bay.  

Crime and Public SafetyIdahoNews