Authorities in Couer d’Alene, Idaho have told residents near a trailhead to shelter in place due to law enforcement activity amid multiple reports of firefighters being shot in an ambush while responding to a fire call.
“If you are in the area of Canfield Mountain Trailhead / Nettleton Gulch Rd. area in CDA, SHELTER IN PLACE,” Kootenai County Emergency Management said in a post on Facebook Sunday, adding “If you are not, AVOID THE AREA due to Law Enforcement activity.”
Local television station KHQ said Chief Pat Riley of the Northern Lakes Fire District spoke to them about the shooting, saying “My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.”
Dozens of emergency vehicles are blocking roads while responding to a call near the Canfield Mountain Trailhead in Couer d’Alene following the reports.
A reporter from KXLY said they are seeing wildfire smoke in the area where the first call for a fire was initiated Sunday.
There are also emergency responders staging at the local hospital, with a medical helicopter also responding to the scene, the outlet said.
The fire department call sheet shows at least 19 units were on scene, with an additional 12 units en route and one medical unit transporting.
Newsweek has reached out via email and phone to the Couer d’Alene Mayor, Fire Department, and Police Department along with the Spokane, Washington Police Department for more information on Sunday.
It is unknown if there are any injuries or fatalities at this time.
Couer d’Alene is located in Idaho just over the Washington border about 30 miles east of Spokane.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
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