A shocking incident unfolded on Canfield Mountain near coeur d’Alene, Idaho, resulting in a deadly ambush on firefighters responding to a brush fire. The attack tragically claimed the lives of two dedicated first responders and critically injured a third. Authorities have identified the suspect as 20-year-old Wess roley, whose body was later found at the scene. While investigators confirm Roley’s identity, the precise motive behind this targeted violence remains a central focus of the ongoing investigation. This event has deeply shaken the tight-knit North Idaho community and garnered national attention.
Ambush on Canfield Mountain: What Happened
The tragic events began on the afternoon of Sunday, June 29, 2025. A brush fire was reported on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreational area east of Coeur d’Alene. Fire crews from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to battle the blaze.
First responders arrived around 1:21 p.m. However, within approximately 40 minutes, alarming reports came over the radio. Firefighters reported taking gunfire. Officials quickly realized they were not just fighting a fire; they were caught in a deliberate ambush.
Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley described the attack as “ambush-style.” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris later stated simply, “These firefighters didn’t have a chance.” The intensity of the attack suggested a pre-planned assault intended to target emergency personnel.
Law Enforcement Responds to the Threat
As reports of the shooting emerged, a massive multi-agency law enforcement response converged on Canfield Mountain. Deputies from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, alongside officers from numerous local, state, and federal agencies including the FBI and ATF, swarmed the area. Approximately 300 officers were involved in the manhunt and containment efforts.
Authorities exchanged gunfire with the suspect during the multi-hour confrontation. Two helicopters, one equipped with snipers and another providing tactical support, assisted from the air. Residents in nearby areas were instructed to shelter in place for safety. Utilizing technology, including cellphone data, law enforcement worked to pinpoint the shooter’s location within the rugged terrain.
Around 3:16 p.m., investigators were able to track a cell phone signal fixed in one spot on the mountain. By approximately 7:40 p.m., a SWAT team located a deceased male in that area. The individual was identified as Wess Roley. A firearm was discovered near his body.
The Suspect Identified: Wess Roley
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris identified the suspected shooter as 20-year-old Wess Roley at a news conference on Monday. Authorities believe Roley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death are part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed Roley was the sole shooter in the incident.
Sheriff Norris reported that Roley had minimal prior interactions with law enforcement. Records showed five minor instances, including trespassing or welfare checks, where he was reportedly cooperative. Investigators found no significant criminal history for Roley before this event.
Details emerging about Roley paint a picture of a young man with some ties to the region. He had reportedly been living in the area for much of 2024, potentially living out of his truck at times over the past two years. His truck was located at the scene, partially damaged by the fire and pushed over an embankment by deputies during the shootout to prevent his potential escape. Investigators found a flint starter near the vehicle, supporting the belief that Roley intentionally ignited the wildfire.
Exploring Potential Motives
A critical question remains unanswered: Why did Wess Roley commit such a horrific act? Sheriff Norris stated clearly, “We don’t have any indication of any motive at this time.” No manifesto or clear explanation was found at the scene.
Investigators are diligently exploring all potential leads. One detail that has surfaced is that Roley had, at one time, expressed interest in becoming a firefighter himself. Sheriff Norris mentioned this information but cautioned that it is currently unknown if this desire had any connection or “nexus” to the attack. Roley’s paternal grandfather also confirmed his grandson had applied to the forestry service months prior and wanted to be a fireman, expressing utter shock and disbelief at the events.
Roley also grew up in an arborist family and had experience climbing trees. Reports indicated the shooter may have engaged deputies from a tree during the incident, potentially using his background to his advantage in the wooded environment. Investigators are also examining Roley’s social media presence for clues. An Instagram photo reportedly showing him in camouflage gear with a song titled “Hunter” playing has been noted as “open-source information.” However, his Instagram account was reportedly wiped clean, not by law enforcement, and his username is no longer available online.
Despite these potential clues, the reason Roley chose to target firefighters and first responders in such a brutal manner remains a mystery under active investigation. Authorities are conducting a thorough inventory of his vehicle and continuing to gather information about his recent activities and state of mind.
Honoring the Fallen and Injured
The human cost of the Canfield Mountain ambush is profound. Two brave firefighters paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving their community.
Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, from Northern Lakes Fire, was tragically killed. He had dedicated 17 years of his life to fire service.
Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, also died in the attack. He had served with the department since 1996, accumulating 28.5 years of service.
Both men were highly respected and described by fire officials as “dedicated firefighters.”
A third firefighter, Engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, also from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, was critically injured in the shooting. A 23-year veteran, Tysdal was transported to the hospital in critical condition. He has since undergone two successful surgeries and was reported to be stable. The thoughts of the community remain with him and his family as he recovers.
Community Grief and Disbelief
The attack has sent ripples of shock and sorrow throughout Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding region. Known for its relatively low crime rate, the city grappled with the senseless violence. Residents expressed heartbreak and disbelief, particularly that first responders dedicated to saving lives were targeted.
Community members gathering in places like McEuen Park voiced their need for answers and offered prayers for the victims and their families. Longtime residents commented on the unprecedented nature of the crime, noting how it has suddenly put Coeur d’Alene in the national spotlight for a tragic reason. “This is, like, a big deal,” one resident remarked. Another lamented the potential for the incident to give the city “a kind of a bad rap.”
Many expressed profound sadness for the families left behind. “For our guys to do their job, for someone waiting for them to hurt them, I’m sorry, but it’s beyond my imagination,” one resident shared, questioning why it happened and grieving for the families now without loved ones. While acknowledging the inherent risks firefighters face, residents stressed that being shot at is not something they expect; that danger is typically associated with law enforcement.
The Roley family also released a statement expressing their “most heartfelt condolences” to the victims’ families and the community. They stated they do not understand why the tragedy occurred and intend to cooperate fully with authorities.
Officials across the state condemned the attack. Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” and urged Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families. Leaders like Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch also offered prayers and support for first responders.
The investigation remains active. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is specifically working to trace the origin of the firearm used in the attack. The large area on Canfield Mountain continues to be processed as a crime scene as authorities piece together the full circumstances of that tragic Sunday afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Coeur d’Alene firefighter ambush?
On June 29, 2025, firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, were ambushed by a gunman. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set to lure first responders. Two battalion chiefs, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, were tragically killed, and Engineer Dave Tysdal was critically injured. The suspect, Wess Roley, 20, was found dead later at the scene, believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
Where did the Idaho firefighter shooting take place, and is the area safe now?
The shooting occurred on Canfield Mountain, located east of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This area includes popular trails and natural spaces. Following the incident, law enforcement secured the area and lifted a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents after the suspect was located. However, the location of the incident remains an active crime scene under investigation, and the wildfire initially started by the suspect was still burning, requiring ongoing fire suppression efforts. Hikers and civilians were evacuated during the event.
What is known about the motive behind the Canfield Mountain firefighter attack?
As of current reports, the precise motive behind the attack remains unknown and is under active investigation by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies. No manifesto was found. Investigators are exploring several potential clues, including information that the suspect, Wess Roley, had previously expressed a desire to become a firefighter, though any connection is unclear. His background as an arborist and social media activity are also being reviewed for insights into his intentions.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Coeur d’Alene community and surrounding areas continue to mourn the loss of their firefighters and support those recovering. The ongoing investigation seeks to provide answers regarding the motive for this unprecedented attack on emergency responders.
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