In a tragic turn of events, at least two firefighters were killed on Sunday after being ambushed by unknown gunmen while battling a wildfire in Idaho’s Kootenai County. The incident has led to an ongoing standoff between law enforcement and the assailants, according to Sheriff Robert Norris.
The blaze continues to rage across the mountainside as authorities work tirelessly to contain both the fire and the perilous situation. “We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties. We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain,” Sheriff Norris said during a press conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”
The shooter or shooters have shown “no evidence of wanting to surrender,” the sheriff added. He urged law enforcement officers to neutralize the threat if given the opportunity. “As soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot to neutralize the threat,” he stated.
Details about the assailants and their motives remain unclear. The authorities believe that the two individuals who lost their lives were firefighters who were responding to the wildfire. The number of additional casualties is still unknown.
Residents in the area are being evacuated as safety concerns mount. Emergency services are coordinating to provide assistance to those affected by both the fire and the ongoing security situation. The community has been urged to stay away from the area and to follow official updates from local authorities.
The wildfire, which had already posed significant challenges to firefighters due to rugged terrain and dry conditions, now presents a dual threat with the presence of armed individuals targeting emergency responders.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of civilians and first responders while bringing the assailants to justice. More information is expected to be released as authorities gain control of the situation.
