Not far from Spokane, Washington is the state line with Idaho, just across which is the beautiful little city of Coeur d'Alene, it's tranquility shattered Sunday afternoon when a man started shooting at firefighters who were attempting to put out a blaze.
Sheriff's deputies said they can't explain why someone would do this, but it's been happening fast -- two people now reported dead, several injured by gunshots, even as investigators are taking sniper fire from a gunman -- or gunmen, as officials speculate -- who's still at large.
But now there is concern that the gunman may be the one who started the wildfire in order to lure firefighters to the scene where the shooting began.
The city on the edge of a camping area where it's feared some people may be returning from a weekend, not knowing of the active shooter who's still loose.
In an alert from the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office, a number of residents are being asked to stay indoors and shelter in place.
The emergency is getting the attention of federal authorities: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said Sunday evening that agents are being dispatched to Coeur d'Alene and Department of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem said Sunday night her office is watching the situation closely.