At least 2 dead in Idaho, firefighters shot in active shooter situation

(NewsNation) — Two people are dead as multiple firefighters were shot at when responding to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, a city in northwest Idaho, on Sunday.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little confirmed firefighters were "attacked" while responding to the fire.

"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."

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying shots were fired at around 2 p.m. local time. The suspect is still on the run, and an "active fire" is in the Canfield area.

An alert from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters had been shot: “Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”

FBI deputy director Dan Bongino said via X that "FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support."

In an announcement on its Facebook page, the Kootenai County Emergency Management said: "If you are in the are of Canfield Mountain Trailhead / Nettleton Gulch Rd. area in CDA, SHELTER IN PLACE."

"If you are not, AVOID THE AREA due to Law Enforcement activity. Continue to monitor reliable sources for information, we will update with more information as soon as we receive it."

The Shoshone County Sheriff's Office released a statement urging caution. NewsNation has learned Spokane Police Department is assisting.

"Notice to Shoshone County Residents: 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.

"Thank you. Please do not call the Sheriff’s office for more information. We will update Facebook as the situation evolves."