An apparent ambush on first responders in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has left at least two people dead and several others wounded in a harrowing, unfolding situation that officials say remains extremely dangerous.

According to reports from CNN and Idaho’s Republican Gov. Brad Little, the fallen are believed to include members of the firefighting community. However, conflicting reports from the Idaho Tribune suggest two police officers may be among the deceased, with as many as nine firefighters wounded.

Authorities have not yet confirmed final numbers, and key details remain elusive — including how many shooters are involved or how many casualties there may be.

“We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, according to CNN. “We will neutralize this threat.”

What’s clear is that first responders were lured into a deadly trap. The emergency teams arrived around 1:20 p.m. local time to fight a seemingly ordinary brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Roughly 40 minutes later, they came under what Sheriff Norris described as “rapid fire.”

Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley confirmed the worst: “ambush-style active shooter.” Audio of firefighters over the radio realizing they were being ambushed has quickly gone viral online, a chilling reminder of how quickly a call to service can become a matter of life and death.

WARNING: The following video contains language that some readers may find disturbing.

Sheriff Norris said bullets were reported coming from multiple directions, and his team was “actively taking sniper fire” as of the late afternoon. He also confirmed the shooters were using what he described as “modern-day sporting rifles.”

“This is going to likely be a multiday operation,” Norris said. “It’s going to be a tough next couple hours. … I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize because they are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender.”

The firefight, which took place in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area — a 24-acre heavily wooded park known for its hiking and biking trails — has prompted a shelter-in-place order for local residents. Authorities have not ruled out that additional hikers, homeowners, or even emergency personnel may still be trapped on the mountain.

Federal agents are now involved. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted just after 4:15 p.m. local time that federal tactical assets were en route to support local law enforcement.

“FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support,” Bongino confirmed on X. “It is an active scene.”

Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson called the attack “gut-wrenching,” offering prayers for the victims and first responders.

“As the situation develops, our thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters and all first responders on the scene,” he posted.

While the motive and number of assailants remain unknown, what is certain is this: America’s heroes — the men and women who put on uniforms to protect lives and property — were hunted today like prey.

And in Joe Biden’s America, where law and order have eroded and respect for public servants has dwindled, it’s not hard to see how a tragedy like this can happen.