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<\/a><\/p>\nWhat started as a response to a minor brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho, culminated in a tragic act of violence.Two firefighters lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries after being ambushed by a gunman on Sunday afternoon, as reported by local authorities.\u201cEveryone is shot up here.\u201d
\nSeveral firefighters were shot by an unidentified assailant after being dispatched to a wildfire near a well-known outdoor recreation area in Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho, on Sunday afternoon.A firefighter urgently requested assistance over the radio, info<\/p>\n
rming EMS, \u201cWe need law enforcement up here immediately,\u201d according to audio obtained by CNN.<\/p>\n
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when firefighters responded to reports of a small brush fire. Approximately 30 minutes later, gunfire erupted from the woods. An unknown attacker had seemingly been lying in wait.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is evident to me that this fire was deliberately set to lure us in,\u201d the firefighter stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cSend law enforcement immediately, there is an active shooter situation,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is shot up here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two fatalities
\nKootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed in a press briefing that the two deceased individuals are believed to be fire personnel, according to ABC7.<\/p>\n
In a statement shared on X by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the union representing firefighters, it was noted that members were targeted while responding to a fire in Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho.<\/p>\n
The post states, \u201cWhile responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d\u2019Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a despicable act of violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
It continues, \u201cTwo of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother is currently undergoing surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your thoughts and prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n
During a Sunday evening press conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris disclosed the perilous and tense conditions confronting his team.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are actively under sniper fire,\u201d he declared, underscoring the gravity of the ongoing crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very,<\/p>\n
Suspect found deceased
\nThe Kootenai County Sheriff\u2019s Office has reported that a SWAT team subsequently located a dead male on the mountain, with a firearm found nearby. This individual is believed to be the suspect involved in the fatal shooting.<\/p>\n
Authorities are probing the disturbing possibility that the fire was deliberately set to entice emergency responders into a lethal trap.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are investigating whether the fire may have been utilized to attract first responders to the location,\u201d stated Kootenai County Sheriff\u2019s Lt. Jeff Howard in an interview with ABC News.<\/p>\n
Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis remarked to CNN that receiving a report of firefighters coming under gunfire represents \u201ca worst-case scenario\u201d for law enforcement.<\/p>\n
He characterized the \u201cchilling audio\u201d as a clear indication that lives were in imminent peril and that individuals required immediate rescue.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost resembling a battlefield scene\u201d
\n\u201cYou empathize with the firefighters who were reporting that situation,\u201d Davis expressed, \u201cbecause there were indeed individuals bleeding to death on the ground, and they were trapped behind their fire truck. It was an extremely troubling situation, almost akin to a battlefield scene.\u201d<\/p>\n
The FBI has become involved in the investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security has also been informed, according to a DHS official who spoke with ABC News.<\/p>\n
The Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas had been placed under a shelter-in-place directive, which has now been rescinded. Nevertheless, residents are still advised to remain vigilant due to the ongoing fire circumstances.<\/p>\n
Idaho Governor Brad Little denounced the assault as \u201ca heinous direct attack on our courageous firefighters.\u201d In a statement on X, he added, \u201cMultiple heroic firefighters were assaulted today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. I urge all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we await further information.\u201d]} \u201c`<\/p>\n