A devastating incident unfolded in northern Idaho on Sunday, June 29, 2025, when a gunman intentionally started a wildfire and then opened fire on first responders. This calculated ambush near coeur d’Alene resulted in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and left a third critically injured. Authorities later located the suspected shooter deceased near the scene, bringing an end to the immediate threat but leaving a community in mourning.
The events began around 1:30 p.m. local time when fire crews were dispatched to a brush fire burning on Canfield Mountain, a rugged and popular recreational area just north of Coeur d’Alene. What initially appeared to be a standard wildfire response quickly escalated into a scene of terror. Approximately 30 minutes after arrival, responders came under sudden, intense sniper fire.
Initial radio calls painted a picture of “sheer pandemonium.” Urgent pleas for help were broadcast, with one responder exclaiming, “Everybody’s shot up here… send law enforcement now!” Firefighters attempting to contain the rapidly spreading 20-acre blaze were caught in a “barrage of gunfire” that continued for several hours, confirming fears that the fire was deliberately set to lure them into a deadly trap.
Massive Response to Sniper attack
The severity of the attack triggered an immediate and massive multi-agency response. Approximately 300 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, rapidly converged on Canfield Mountain. This extensive force included tactical response teams and air support, with helicopters equipped with snipers positioned overhead, ready to engage if needed.
Deputies arriving on the scene were instructed by Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris to return fire against the unseen assailant hidden in the dense brush and challenging terrain. The suspect reportedly used a “high-powered rifle,” making the situation extremely dangerous for first responders exposed in the open.
Investigators quickly utilized technology to locate the shooter. Using cellphone data, which showed a consistent signal from a specific spot on the mountain since approximately 3:16 p.m., authorities were able to “hone in” on a wooded area.
Suspect Identified and Found Deceased
As flames from the wildfire rapidly encroached on the suspected location, law enforcement personnel found the body of a man with a firearm nearby. A law enforcement official later identified the suspected gunman as Wess Roley, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff Norris confirmed that authorities believe Roley acted alone. The discovery of his body led to the lifting of a shelter-in-place order that had been issued for residents near the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road.
The precise circumstances of Roley’s death remained under investigation. Authorities were working to determine if he died by suicide or was killed during an exchange of gunfire with responding officers. The quick removal of his body and firearm due to the advancing fire reportedly complicated the initial scene analysis.
A Deliberate Ambush Targeting First Responders
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris was unequivocal in his assessment of the incident. “We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” he stated at a news conference. He added somberly, “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
The three injured first responders were transported to Kootenai Health hospital. Hospital officials confirmed that two of the victims were tragically dead on arrival. The third wounded firefighter underwent surgery and was initially described as “fighting for his life.” Later reports indicated he was in stable condition. One of the fallen firefighters was from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and the other served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The wounded firefighter is also from the Coeur d’Alene department.
The attack drew condemnation from state officials. Idaho Governor Brad Little called the shooting a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He urged Idahoans to pray for the victims, their families, and their colleagues. The Idaho House Republican Leadership also expressed their horror and shock at the “vicious attack.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The city of Coeur d’Alene, home to approximately 55,000 residents near the Washington border, considers wildfires a significant threat, making this attack on firefighters particularly cruel. Canfield Mountain is a beloved local spot, popular for hiking and biking, featuring extensive trails that wind through heavy brush and forests. The nature of the sniper attack underscored the vulnerability of first responders operating in such difficult, remote terrain.
Local residents, like Bruce Deming whose property borders the trail system, expressed their shock and concern. Deming noted that the absence of firefighting aircraft during the incident suggested that responders were avoiding the area due to fears of being shot. He assisted deputies by pointing out a trail leading toward the fire, highlighting the community’s apprehension and desire to help amidst the crisis.
Following the discovery of the suspect’s body, while the immediate lockdown was lifted, authorities cautioned residents to remain prepared as the Nettleton Gulch Fire continued to burn. Its status was not immediately known the following morning.
The motive behind Wess Roley’s deadly ambush remains unclear as the investigation continues. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are providing technical and tactical support to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to understand why the suspect carried out this horrific act.
A procession honoring the two fallen firefighters traveled from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, met with salutes from fire and law enforcement personnel from throughout the region, a somber tribute to the lives lost in the line of duty during this unprecedented attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Coeur d’Alene firefighter ambush?
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a gunman intentionally started a wildfire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to target first responders. When firefighters arrived to battle the blaze, they came under intense sniper fire for several hours. This attack resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and critically wounded a third. Law enforcement responded in force and located the suspect, Wess Roley, deceased nearby.
Who was the suspect in the Idaho firefighter shooting?
Authorities identified the suspected gunman as Wess Roley. He was found dead with a firearm near the scene of the ambush on Canfield Mountain. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated that officials believe Roley acted alone and that the attack was a deliberate ambush targeting firefighters. The exact circumstances of his death are under investigation.
What is the status of the wounded firefighter?
According to the latest reports from Kootenai Health, the third firefighter injured in the Coeur d’Alene ambush was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery. While initially described as “fighting for his life,” he was later reported to be in stable condition. This firefighter is a member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.
