Deadly Ambush: Firefighters Caught in Sniper Attack in Idaho

Two firefighters were shot dead in northern Idaho as they responded to a fire, with law enforcement still under sniper fire. The attackers used high-powered rifles and were possibly hiding in Canfield Mountain's dense wilderness. Officials suspect the fire might have been set as a trap.

Tragedy struck in northern Idaho as two firefighters lost their lives while responding to a fire incident, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The Kootenai County Sheriff reported that law enforcement remained under threat from sniper fire during the search for potential multiple assailants.

Sheriff Bob Norris urged locals to avoid the Canfield Mountain area near Coeur d'Alene, where the incident occurred. He indicated that suspected shooters used high-powered rifles aggressively against first responders, showing no willingness to surrender, while authorities speculated that the fire might have been an intentional lure.

State and federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively engaged on the scene, with the situation deemed extremely perilous. Idaho Governor Brad Little and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have been briefed on the incident, which has seen rapid developments since firefighters first received the distress call.

(With inputs from agencies.)