What began as a response to a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, ended in a horrifying act of violence

Two firefighters were killed and another was seriously injured after being ambushed by a gunman Sunday afternoon, according to local authorities.

”Everybody’s shot up here”
Several firefighters were shot by an unidentified gunman after being dispatched to a wildfire near a popular outdoor recreation area in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday afternoon.

A firefighter urgently called for help over the radio, telling EMS, “We need law enforcement up here immediately,” according to audio obtained by CNN.

The incident unfolded around 1:30 p.m. when firefighters responded to reports of a small brush fire. About 30 minutes later, shots rang out from the woods. An unknown assailant had apparently been lying in wait.

“It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in,” the firefighter said.

“Send law enforcement right now, there’s an active shooter zone,” he added.

“Everybody’s shot up here.”

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed in a press briefing that the two individuals killed are believed to be fire personnel, according to ABC7.

According to a statement posted on X by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the union representing firefighters, members were targeted during a response to a fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

The post reads, “While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence.”

It goes on to say, “Two of our brothers were ki*lled by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”

During a Sunday evening press conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris revealed the tense and dangerous conditions facing his team.

“We are actively taking sniper fire,” he stated, emphasizing the severity of the unfolding crisis.

“This is a very, very fresh situation,” Norris added.