Two firefighters killed in Idaho shooting ambush
Law enforcement officers gather at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene - Reuters
Two firefighters were killed when they were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze in Idaho on Sunday.
Emergency service crews faced barrages of gunfire over several hours in an attack the state’s governor called a “heinous” assault.
Firefighters responded to a wildfire at Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene, around 1.30pm local time (9.30pm BST) and gunshots were reported about a half hour later, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said.
Police did not know the number of assailants or the full extent of the casualties.
“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Sheriff Bob Norris told reporters.
“We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak... It appears that modern-day sporting rifles are being used. It appears that high-powered rifles are being used.”
Sheriff Norris said the sniper seemed to be hiding in the rugged terrain. He said he instructed deputies to fire back.
“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,” he said.
Police and officials have swarmed the area - Reuters
“Civilians” are still coming off the mountain, the sheriff added, so it “would be safe to assume” that others are still up there.
“This is going to likely be a multi-day operation. It’s going to be a tough next couple hours,” he said.
Governor Brad Little said “multiple” firefighters were attacked.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Mr Little wrote on X.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”
Smoke rises in the Canfield Mountain area, where firefighters were responding to a blaze before being attacked - Reuters
The sheriff’s office in neighbouring Soshone County said on Facebook that authorities were “dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large”.
Dan Bognino, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) deputy director said in a post on X: “FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support. It is an active scene.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said secretary Kristi Noem is “actively monitoring the situation in Coeur d’Alene.”
Owing to the fire, crews had to retreat and the blaze is still ongoing.
Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.
