Two firefighters were shot dead in northern New York State on Monday as they were responding to a fire, US media reported, reported dpa.
According to broadcaster CNN, at least four firefighters were shot as they exited their fire vehicle to battle the blaze in Webster, a suburb of Rochester, New York, about 500 kilometres north of New York City.
The police intervened with special tactical units to rescue the injured and recover bodies from the fire, which spread to at least three buildings in the area.
Number of shooters or the reason behind the attack are not yet known.