Tragedy Strikes Idaho: Firefighters Shot While Battling Blaze

In a shocking turn of events, two individuals were fatally shot in a mountain community in Idaho during their efforts to control a brush fire. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported that they came under fire from at least one active shooter armed with a high-powered rifle near Coeur d'Alene. Sheriff Robert Norris emphasized that law enforcement is currently engaged in a tense standoff, facing sniper fire from multiple locations. Residents in the vicinity of Canfield Mountain have been urged to steer clear of the area as the situation unfolds.

FBI agents are on-site to provide tactical and operational support, and Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the shooting as a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," urging citizens to pray for the victims and their families. Sheriff Norris expressed uncertainty over the number of shooters involved and noted that the two individuals killed are believed to be firefighters. The shooter's unwillingness to surrender presents a dangerous situation.

With concerns for the safety of civilians in the area, the local sheriff's department is monitoring the situation closely. Firefighters responding to the initial call, which came around 1:22 PM local time on Sunday, reported shots fired shortly after reaching the scene. The brush fire continues to burn amidst ongoing gunfire, and local authorities have issued alerts advising the public to avoid Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road.