A tragic event unfolded on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, idaho, when a seemingly deliberate fire ignited a horrifying ambush, claiming the lives of two dedicated firefighters and critically injuring a third. The suspect in this unprecedented attack has been identified as 20-year-old Wess Val roley. authorities believe Roley intentionally set the brush fire on a Sunday afternoon, using a flint fire starter, with the chilling goal of luring emergency responders into a deadly trap.
When firefighters arrived to battle the growing blaze, Roley reportedly opened fire from a tactical position, believed by police to be within the trees, leveraging skills potentially honed by his family’s background in arboriculture. This sudden and brutal assault left the first responders with virtually no defense. The victims of this heinous act were later identified as Coeur d’Alene Fire Battalion Chief John Morrison and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, both killed in the line of duty. A third firefighter, Coeur d’Alene firefighter/engineer David Tysdal, sustained serious injuries and fought for his life, though he was later reported in stable condition.
The Deadly Ambush on Canfield Mountain
The chain of events began with a report of a brush fire around 1:21 p.m. local time. As firefighters responded to the scene on Canfield Mountain, the situation quickly escalated. By approximately 2:00 p.m., chilling reports of shots fired began to emerge. Responding law enforcement officers converged on the area, engaging in a shootout with the suspect. This tense standoff and search operation involved over 300 officers from various city, county, state, and federal agencies, including aerial support.
Roley was eventually located hours later in the fire area. Investigators found him dead with a firearm nearby, which authorities believe was likely an apparent suicide. Initial evidence at the scene, including recovered large rifled slugs and smaller shot, suggested a shotgun was used in the attack, though officials have not ruled out the possibility of other firearms being present or used. The fire itself, known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, ultimately spread to 26 acres but did not threaten any structures and was eventually contained.
Unraveling Wess Roley’s Background
Piecing together the life of Wess Roley presents a complex picture, filled with contradictions. According to his grandfather, Dale Roley, Wess came from a family deeply involved in the tree service industry. He himself had worked in tree services and, perhaps most surprisingly, aspired to become a firefighter. Dale Roley told reporters his grandson “actually really respected law enforcement” and “wanted to be a fireman.” He believed Wess was actively pursuing this career, potentially seeing his tree-climbing skills as an asset for wildland firefighting. This aspiration makes the alleged targeting of firefighters all the more perplexing.
Roley’s grandfather described him as having loving family and friends, noting they had vacationed together. However, he also characterized Wess as sometimes “nervous,” “high-strung,” and “kind of a loner,” attributing these traits to typical challenges faced by young people today. Despite these observations, his family expressed complete shock, stating they had “no reason to suspect” Wess would be involved in such a violent act.
A Transient Life and Past Interactions
Authorities described Wess Roley as appearing transient, noting he seemed to be living out of his vehicle in the time leading up to the attack. His vehicle was found at the scene, reportedly filled with debris, and investigators planned to inventory it for potential clues. While Roley had no known criminal history, Kootenai County law enforcement had interacted with him on five previous, minor occasions. These encounters were described as “very minor,” mostly related to trespassing or welfare checks when he was found near properties in his vehicle. During these prior interactions, he was reportedly cooperative.
Roley had a history of relocating, having lived in California, Arizona, and Idaho. Sheriff Bob Norris stated Roley had been living in the Coeur d’Alene area for “the better part of 2024,” though the precise timing of his arrival and his reasons for choosing the location remain unknown. Earlier reports suggested he moved from Arizona potentially to work for his father’s tree-trimming company, though his recent activities and employment status were unclear, especially after he reportedly lost his phone, making contact difficult for family.
Echoes of a Tumultuous Childhood
Court records shed light on a potentially challenging upbringing for Wess Roley. Documents from Maricopa County, Arizona, detail his mother’s 2015 divorce filing when Wess was 10 years old. These records included allegations against his father of domestic violence, threats (including threats of violence and property destruction), and concerns regarding drugs and firearms. His mother was initially granted a protective order preventing contact between Wess and his father, though this order was later amended. The divorce was finalized in late 2015, with Roley’s mother designated as his primary residential parent.
While Roley’s father, living in Priest River, Idaho, told reporters he wasn’t close with Wess and hadn’t seen him recently, he did not comment on the decade-old allegations from the divorce records. Roley’s stepfather released a statement conveying the profound confusion and heartbreak felt by the family, emphasizing their lack of understanding regarding the motive for the tragedy and expressing deep sorrow for all affected.
The Elusive Motive and Ongoing Investigation
Despite intensive investigation, a clear motive for Wess Roley’s actions remains unknown. Authorities have not found any manifesto or writings explaining his intentions. The sheer brutality of the attack, particularly against firefighters whom he allegedly admired, defies easy explanation. Sheriff Norris openly speculated that the motive might be connected to an interaction where firefighters may have asked Roley, found with his vehicle in the area, to move it before the shooting began, suggesting a potential trigger related to his transient living situation. However, this remains just one possibility among many.
Investigators are continuing their work at the scene and examining Roley’s digital footprint, including social media accounts, some of which may have been recently altered. The vehicle Roley was using, pushed off an embankment by authorities to prevent potential escape during the search, is a key piece of evidence yet to be fully inventoried. The incident has deeply shaken the Coeur d’Alene community and the broader firefighting fraternity, prompting Idaho’s governor to order flags flown at half-staff and igniting widespread grief and disbelief over the senseless loss of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Idaho firefighter shooting?
On June 29th, 2025, Wess Roley, 20, allegedly set a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Authorities believe he then ambushed and opened fire on the firefighters who responded. Two firefighters, Battalion Chief John Morrison and Battalion Chief Frank J. Harwood, were killed, and a third, David Tysdal, was critically injured. Roley was later found dead near the scene from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Where did the Idaho firefighter shooting take place?
The fatal shooting occurred on Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County, Idaho. The incident began with a brush fire, known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, which was reportedly ignited by the suspect in the area where the ambush took place.
What is known about the suspect’s background, Wess Roley?
Wess Roley, 20, was described by authorities as appearing transient and living out of his vehicle in the time leading up to the attack. He had recently moved to Idaho from Arizona and had a family history in the tree service industry. Surprisingly, his grandfather stated that Roley had aspired to become a firefighter himself and admired first responders. Roley had minor previous interactions with local law enforcement, primarily related to trespassing, but had no known criminal history. His motive for the attack remains under investigation.
In conclusion, the tragic events on Canfield Mountain left two communities, both civilian and firefighting, reeling from an act of violence deemed unprecedented in the area. The suspect, Wess Roley, remains an enigma, a young man with seemingly contradictory aspirations and a troubled past whose motive for this devastating ambush may never be fully understood. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the details of his life and the circumstances leading to that fatal Sunday.
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