Firefighters Responding To Blaze Near Rochester, N.Y., Shot And Killed

There's been a shooting today at the scene of a house fire near Rochester, N.Y. Local news outlets say at least two firefighters were killed and others were wounded as they responded to the scene.

Rochester's Democrat and Chronicle says "three houses on Lake Road [in Webster, N.Y.] continue to burn after a gunman open fired."

According to the D&C, "Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering said shots were fired at West Webster firefighters when they arrived. ... Four firefighters were hit, two fatally. ... Authorities are on the scene evacuating residents.

Our colleagues at WXXI are also following the story.

Update at 12:55 p.m. ET. Victims Identified:

According to the D&C, "the dead are Lt. Mike Chiapperini, 43, a volunteer firefighter and the Webster Police Department's public information officer, and Tomasz Kaczowka. Chiapperini led the fire department's explorer program for high schoolers. Both men died at the scene. Kaczowka, in his early 20s, is also a 911 dispatcher. ... Webster Police Chief Gerald Pickering said ... it appeared the shooter had set a trap for first responders."

WXXI adds that:

"Pickering says the suspect was also found dead on the scene. He could not confirm the cause of death. He said law enforcement officers responding to the scene did engage with the shooter and a foot chase ensued."

Update at 11:55 a.m. ET. Suspected Gunman Found Dead:

Reporters at a news conference being held by the local police chief report he says the suspected gunman has been found dead, near one of the homes at the scene.

Update at 10:50 a.m. ET. Live Blogging:

The D&C is live blogging the news here. It reports that firefighters are now battling the blazes.

WXXI writes that:

"Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn has confirmed two firefighters died of gunshot wounds this morning. Two other firefighters were also shot. They are in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

"The firefighters were responding to a report of a house and car fire at 191 Bay Road in Webster. When they arrived on the scene, they were assaulted with gunshots. O'Flynn says he cannot confirm whether a suspect has been identified or arrested."