A violent ambush in Kootenai County, Idaho, claimed at least two lives on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on firefighters battling a mountainside blaze, Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed.
As firefighting crews worked to contain the wildfire, law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire with an unspecified number of shooters. "We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties. We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain … We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak," Norris told reporters.
The shooter showed no evidence of wanting to surrender, the sheriff added. "As soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot to neutralize the threat."
Authorities believe the two fatalities were firefighters. Civilians continue to come off the mountain as the blaze rages and the standoff remains critical.
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At least two killed in ambush on firefighters in Idaho, U.S.
cgtn.com
