In a sudden outbreak of violence, at least two firefighters lost their lives on Sunday in northwestern Idaho when gunmen ambushed their crew as they battled a raging blaze amid an ongoing standoff, officials said. The attack, which came without warning, has left communities across the state reeling.
According to the local sheriff, an unknown number of armed individuals opened fire on the firefighters at the scene. The team was part of a coordinated effort to tackle the fire when the ambush occurred, turning a routine response into a deadly encounter.
With details still emerging, law enforcement has launched a full-scale investigation to identify the suspects and uncover what sparked the assault. The blaze was burning in the shadow of an armed standoff between authorities and unidentified parties, adding complexity to the rescue and fire suppression efforts.
The incident underscores the unpredictable dangers facing first responders. Firefighters routinely navigate extreme heat and shifting flames—but the risk of violence stretches beyond the fire line. Community leaders and firefighter associations are already calling for enhanced safety measures and resources to protect those who rush into harm's way.
As Idaho crews mourn their fallen colleagues, the broader firefighting community is standing in solidarity. Officials are urging anyone with tips or footage from the scene to step forward. "We owe it to our heroes to find out who did this and why," the sheriff said, echoing calls for justice.
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At least two killed in ambush on firefighters in Idaho, U.S.
cgtn.com
