Authorities are on the scene of an active shooter and wildfire incident in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where several firefighters were “attacked.”
In a news briefing, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris reported that at least two individuals had been killed, possibly including firefighters. He noted that they were “actively under sniper fire” during the conference.
“Currently, we have two fatalities and an undetermined number of injuries,” Norris stated. “We still have civilians descending from the mountain. There may be civilians stranded or in shock on the mountain, making this a very urgent situation.”
Idaho Governor asks residents to pray for firefighters as active shooter situation continues to unfold. (KHQ)
“We don’t know who suspect or suspects are, and we don’t know how many suspects there may be,” Norris said.
A representative from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection confirmed to Fox News Digital that the ongoing shooter incident and the active wildfire were connected.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert earlier Sunday afternoon stating: “Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries have been reported, though the severity remains unknown. Please avoid the area.”
Officials confirmed that the firefighters were responding to a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road when the shooting started.
Due to the danger, fire crews had to retreat, and the brush fire continues to pose a threat. Authorities are urging residents in the vicinity to stay vigilant and exercise caution as the situation develops.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency was headed to the scene to provide “tactical and operational support.” He called it an “active scene.”
Governor Brad Little reacted to the incident in a post on X.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken,” Little wrote. “As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
