COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A devastating active shooter incident in northern Idaho has left at least two people dead and several others wounded, including firefighters who were reportedly ambushed while responding to a wildfire near Canfield Mountain.

Authorities have declared the situation a mass casualty incident as the emergency response continues.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that firefighters came under immediate gunfire upon arrival at the scene of a brush fire along East Nettleton Gulch Road.

Scanner audio from Kootenai County Fire units revealed the intensity of the situation, with emergency personnel calling for urgent assistance and warning other units to stay away.

“There’s an active shooter zone! They’re shot down. BC3’s down, BC1’s down. Everybody’s shot up here. Law enforcement, Code 3 now up here! … Get out of the way. Engine Brush 551, do not come up here,” one radio transmission stated.

Authorities believe the fire may have been intentionally set to lure firefighters into an ambush. Multiple personnel from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District were shot as they attempted to contain the blaze.

According to Fire Chief Pat Riley, the attack happened with little warning as crews arrived to battle the growing wildfire.

As of this report, at least two fatalities have been confirmed. Several others remain injured, though the exact number of victims is still being determined.

First responders continue to search the area, and wounded individuals are still being located.

Due to the active and dangerous nature of the scene, fire crews were forced to retreat, allowing the wildfire to burn unchecked in at least two major areas. The full extent of the fire’s spread and structural damage remains unknown.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert urging residents to avoid the area:

“Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.”

The identity and number of suspects are still unclear. A possible suspect vehicle has been located, and two Spokane County Sheriff’s Office helicopters are assisting in the aerial search for the shooter or shooters.

One medical helicopter was also deployed to transport critically injured victims from the scene.

Lieutenant Jeff Howard of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this is an ongoing and fluid investigation.

Residents are being strongly advised to remain indoors, stay alert, and follow all instructions from law enforcement.

This remains a developing story. Officials are expected to provide further updates as more details become available.