Sheriff confirms 2 firefighters dead, ambushed by shooter in Coeur d’Alene, ID
Sheriff confirms two dead after firefighters ambushed by shooter in Coeur d'Alene
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said at least two people are dead after firefighters working a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho were ambushed and shot Sunday afternoon.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said at least two people are dead after firefighters working a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho were ambushed and shot Sunday afternoon.
Norris confirmed the two deaths are believed to be firefighters from the responding units from the city of Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai Fire and Rescue. There are an unknown number of casualties and civilians are still coming off the mountain.
Reports of shots fired at 1:21 p.m.
What we know:
Norris said they received reports of a fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain at 1:21 p.m.
At approximately 2 p.m., firefighters reported shots were being fired at them. Norris said they are actively taking sniper fire from high-powered sporting rifles.
"We are prepared to neutralize this suspect as quickly as possible," Norris said. "That's really all that we know as of right now. We don't know who the suspects are. We don't know how many there are.
"I'm hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize because they are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender. So as soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat," Norris said.
Shelter in place for the area
Norris confirmed a shelter in place order remains active and urged civilians not to come to the area.
"I would encourage all of you to tell people to stay away from the area. Do not come to the area. Stay away from the area," Norris said. "If these individuals are not neutralized quickly, this is going to be a likely, multi-day operation."
According to KHQ-TV, Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley said fire suppression efforts have been halted while law enforcement activity is ongoing.
"My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community," Chief Riley told KHQ,
Kootenai County Emergency Management's shelter in place order was expanded to cover "everything south of Hayden Lake Road, and east of 15th Street in Coeur d'Alene."
"Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho," Idaho governor Brad Little said in a statement on social media. 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.
"As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs."
This story is still developing. Check back for updates.
The Source: Information in this story came from Kootenai County Sherriff Robert Norris, KHQ-TV in Spokane, Governor Brad Little and Kootenai County Emergency Management.
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