At least 2 people killed after firefighters were fired upon in north Idaho
Context:
In Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain were met with sniper fire, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals, believed to be firefighters. Sheriff Bob Norris reported that the attackers used high-powered rifles and that the situation remains 'dynamic' with the threat ongoing. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a direct assault on firefighters, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Authorities, including local, state, and federal law enforcement, have responded in force, with the threat still active and the suspects blending into the mountain's heavy brush. The sheriff has urged people to shelter in place as efforts continue to locate and neutralize the suspects, whose numbers remain unknown.
Dive Deeper:
Firefighters were ambushed while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, leading to the deaths of at least two people, believed to be firefighters, as confirmed by Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris.
The assailants employed high-powered 'modern-day sporting rifles' to carry out the attack, creating a 'dynamic situation' with ongoing rapid fire, while the fire continues to burn on the mountain.
Governor Brad Little labeled the attack as a heinous assault on firefighters, expressing concern via social media and highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by first responders in the area.
Law enforcement from various levels, including local, state, and federal, have converged on the site, which is a popular recreation area, responding to the active threat posed by the unidentified suspects.
Sheriff Norris has advised residents to shelter in place, noting that the suspects are well-prepared and using the local terrain to their advantage, complicating efforts to neutralize them.
The number of suspects remains unclear, with authorities unsure of how many individuals are involved, but there is an urgent need to neutralize them to prevent a prolonged operation.
Efforts to resolve the situation are ongoing, with authorities hoping for a clear opportunity to neutralize the threat, as the suspects show no sign of surrendering.