UPDATE: Firefighters Shot and Killed in Rochester Suburb of Webster [VIDEO]

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Two firefighters are dead near Rochester while at least two others are recovering after being shot while working a blaze in Webster early on Christmas Eve (Monday) morning.  Law enforcement now says that the gunman intentally set the fire and laid in wait for firefighters to arrive.  The assailant was killed at the scene and the area is safe.

The fire broke out on Lake Road in the northern portion of the Monroe County town near where Irondequoit Bay meets Lake Ontario.

WHAM reports that

 

The fire has now spread to three houses. Firefighters are waiting for police to finish evacuating people from the area before they move in.

UPDATE 11:55am

From reporters tweeting live from the scene:

#BREAKING: Webster Police Chief: “We believe [the shooter] set this as a trap.”

— Kathy Laluk (@kathylaluk) December 24, 2012

Chief Pickering: Threat is over. Shooter dead at the scene. “Neighborhood is safe.”

— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012

Lt. Mike Chippiarini of Webster PD died while volunteering for West Webster FD. Chief Pickering breaks down as he reads the name.

— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012

Four homes affected by flames. 33 houses were evacuated.

— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012

There was police pursuit. Shooter found dead outside, near the house.

— Evan Dawson (@evandawson) December 24, 2012

UPDATE 11:40am

New York Governor Cuomo has released a statement on Twitter regarding the incident in Webster:

Gov: NY’s first responders are true heroes as they time and again selflessly rush toward danger to keep our families safe #Webster

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 24, 2012

Gov: First responders were injured and 2 were taken from us as they once again answered the call of duty. #Webster

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) December 24, 2012

UPDATE 10:30am

WHEC further reports that

Right now, three homes and a vehicle are burning. Firefighters are now attacking the fire. The homes are both occupied and unoccupied homes.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies say there is not an active search for a shooter right now.

Currently, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies and the SWAT team are on scene, along with multiple fire crews. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is also at the scene.

Raw video:

Coverage from WHAM