Firefighters in US attacked: At least 2 dead in sniper ambush in Idaho; Sheriff says 'don't know how many suspects up there'

At least two people, suspected to be firefighters, died during a sniper ambush in US's Idaho on Sunday (local time). Fire crews were at Canfield Mountain to put off a blaze when gunshots rang out about 30 minutes later, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” AP quoted Sheriff Bob Norris saying. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” Norris added.

“I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize, because they’re not at this point in time showing any evidence of wanting to surrender,” he said.

The sheriff said that since people are still making their way down the mountain, it’s “safe to assume” that others remain on it.

Condemning the attack, governor Brad Little said that “multiple” firefighters were attacked. “This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little said, adding, “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”

The Kootenai County emergency management office urged the public to steer clear of the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road area, about 4 miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene, as the fire remained active, officials said.