ISTANBUL

At least two firefighters were shot dead Sunday and several others injured in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho when a suspect opened fire on them with a high-powered rifle while they were responding to a brush fire.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press briefing that the number of people injured in the attack is unknown.

The incident unfolded at approximately 1.30 pm local time (1930GMT) after a small but growing brush fire broke out on Canfield Mountain, according to ABC News.

When fire personnel responded to the blaze, they started getting shot at by an unknown person or persons in the woods, officials said.

The fire, which has been named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, is less than an acre large and is currently ongoing as all efforts have been redirected to neutralize the active shooter, Norris said.

Norris said the situation remains active and that authorities are currently taking fire from multiple directions on the mountain as civilians are at risk of being caught in the crossfire and blaze.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X that “assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support,” noting that it is an active scene.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was briefed on the situation, as SWAT and federal authorities on scene are under "rapid sniper fire."

Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters" while asking residents to stay clear from the area.

The incident occurred at the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a 24-acre park on the east side of the city where several hiking and biking trails exist among heavy tree cover.