In a chilling incident on Sunday, multiple firefighters and police officers were subject to a horrific ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho after responding to an emergency call. While still under fire, sheriffs reported “we’re actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” confirming at least two fatalities and an “unknown” number of casualties.

Upon arrival at a reported fire, emergency services were immediately faced with gunfire, resulting in a plea for reinforcement from Spokane’s police department. With the gunman still at large, locals have been advised to “shelter in place,” due to “law enforcement activity.”

The Governor of Idaho condemned the armed attack, referring to it as a “heinous dire assault” against the state’s “brave firefighters.” Authorities have cautioned the public to avoid the area around the ongoing dangerous situation and ongoing police work, while the assailants remain at large.

As the authorities track the gunmen, evacuations are being carried out near Coeur d’Alene, where police are “taking sniper fire” within a mountainous region nearly four miles northward of the city. Details of the attackers’ motives and identities are still unknown.

Citizen.com has indicated that the attack began with an ambush, where a deliberate blaze was lit to lure out the fire department, which led to a minimum of two firefighters being injured by gunshots, as broadcast on emergency service channels.

Officials have declared a mass casualty incident at the scene, with at least two fatalities reported. Kootenai County Sheriffs, announcing that at least two had died, has said they are believed to have been firefighters.

Pat Riley, Chief of Northern Lakes Fire Protection, revealed that firefighters came under gunfire while attending to a bushfire near East Nettleton Gulch Road. An alert issued by Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office warned residents: “Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”

Reportedly, the situation began at approximately 1.50pm, with firefighters responding to a wildfire coming under attack and one being critically wounded, necessitating urgent hospitalisation.

There are indications from local news outlets that police may be searching for a second perpetrator, potentially armed and at large.

NewsNation correspondent Brian Entin provided updates around 6pm local time indicating that law enforcement had suspects cornered who were refusing to surrender. He quoted: “Sheriff in Idaho says shooters are not showing any sign of wanting to surrender — he is encouraging officers who can get a clear shot to ‘take the shot and neutralize the threat.'”

As emergency personnel sheltered from gunfire, social media was awash with first-hand reports of the chaos, as numerous shots rang out. Local resident A Wilson took to platform X, detailing: “I live in Coeur d’alene ID. Some nut job set a fire and when firefighters showed up, he started shooting. Several shot.

“Then police showed up and they were shot. No word on their condition. Over 65 fire trucks, police, SWAT and 1 helicopter there. 15th street is blocked southbound.”

In the aftermath of the initial attacks, Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office announced that the gunman remained at large, issuing a stark warning to locals: “If you can, please avoid Couer D Alene at the moment as we are dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large.”

The severity of the incident was underscored by comments from Idaho Governor Brad Little, who stated: “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. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”