Idaho shooting latest: Two dead after sniper opens fire on firefighters and police during wildfire emergency
Two people have been fatally shot while responding to a brush fire in a mountain community near Coeur d'Alene, in the western US state of Idaho.
Officials say the victims were likely firefighters ambushed as they tackled the blaze on Canfield Mountain.
The assailants, possibly using high-powered rifles, remain hidden in dense brush and continue firing from multiple positions, law enforcement officials said.
Idaho governor, Brad Little, said 'multiple heroic firefighters' were attacked while responding to the fire.
'This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,' he wrote on Facebook. 'I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.'
Authorities say it's still unclear how many shooters were involved, but they are believed to be firing from multiple hidden positions in dense brush.
Firefighting efforts have, meanwhile, stalled due to the ongoing threat, and authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for the residents.
Local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, are responding to the fire.
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