Gunman Shoots Firefighters Responding to Large Residential Blaze in Western New York [UPDATE x2: Fatalities Reported, Gunman Dead, Fire Was a 'Trap']

While "gun advocates" are urging the government to deport Piers Morgan over his demand for stricter gun laws, reports are coming in that yet another egregious mass shooting event has taken place.

At least three firefighters were shot this morning while responding to a house fire in Webster, New York, according to local officials.

The blaze has now spread to two additional houses and a car with concern that it could spread even further, but firefighters are currently prohibited from tackling the fire as the gunman is still on the loose.

Webster Fire Marshal Rob Boutillier told reporters his crew will move in once the Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirms that it is safe to do so.

As for the health status of the injured firefighters, Boutillier said one was in satisfactory condition and all were being treated at a local hospital. No word yet on the condition of the two others.

Boutillier believes the homes currently engulfed in flames will be a total loss. It remains unclear whether they were occupied, but the Democrat and Chronicle reports that "many of the homes on that stretch of Lake Road are vacant."

UPDATE: Two of the firefighters shot at the scene of the Lake Road fire have died, according to Webster Police.

Two others were injured and are currently being treated at Strong Memorial Hospital. Their condition has not been released.

Webster's police chief told reporters that firefighters were permitted to resume their activities in the area after being given the all-clear by the SWAT team. There are early reports that more than one gunman may have been involved in the shooting.

UPDATE 2: Police Chief Gerald Pickering has just announced that the gunman responsible for the shooting was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound outside one of the burning homes, and is believed to have set the fire himself in order to entrap the responders.

One of the two firefighters killed in the tragedy was a local police lieutenant; the two injured victims are an off-duty police officer from the town of Greece and a Rochester firefighter who volunteers in Webster.

At least four houses were damaged in the fire.

[photo via @ToddJClausen]