Tragic Ambush on Canfield Mountain: Suspect Identified as Wess Roley in Deadly Idaho Firefighter Attack
Tragic Ambush on Canfield Mountain: Suspect Identified as Wess Roley in Deadly Idaho Firefighter Attack
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a calculated and devastating ambush unfolded on Canfield Mountain, claiming the lives of two firefighters and leaving a third critically injured. Authorities have identified the gunman as 20-year-old Wess Roley, a Coeur d’Alene resident, who allegedly set a wildfire to lure first responders into a deadly trap. The incident, described as a “heinous” and “premeditated” attack by local officials, has left the tight-knit community reeling.
The Attack Unfolds
The tragedy began at approximately 1:21 p.m. when emergency services received reports of a brush fire in the rugged, forested terrain of Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking destination four miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue arrived around 1:50 p.m. to assess and contain the blaze.
Within 30 minutes, gunfire erupted, targeting the responding crews in what Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris called a “total ambush.” Two firefighters—one from each department—were fatally shot during the initial attack, and a third was critically wounded. Horrifying radio transmissions captured the chaos, with one firefighter pleading, “Everybody’s shot up here,” as they sought cover from the barrage of bullets, according to audio streamed on Broadcastify.
Response and Investigation
The injured firefighter was airlifted to a Spokane-area trauma center, where they underwent emergency surgery and are now in stable condition. The attack prompted a massive response, with nearly 300 law enforcement officers, SWAT teams, and support from the FBI and U.S. Forest Service flooding the scene.
Using cellphone data, authorities traced a signal to a wooded area on the mountain, locating Roley’s body around 7:40 p.m. with a firearm nearby. Sheriff Norris stated that preliminary investigations, based on bullet trajectories and recovered weapons, suggest Roley acted alone. It remains unclear whether he was killed by law enforcement or died by suicide, as the wildfire destroyed much of the crime scene evidence.
The Suspect and Motive
Officials believe Roley deliberately ignited the 20-acre wildfire to draw firefighters to the remote location before opening fire with what Norris described as “modern-day, high-powered, sporting rifles.” The blaze, which continued to burn into Sunday evening, forced a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents, which has since been lifted. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public there is no ongoing threat, though residents are urged to remain vigilant as the fire persists.
The motive behind Roley’s attack remains under investigation. Authorities are combing through evidence from the crime scene, Roley’s residence, and digital records to uncover any clues about his intentions. Sheriff Norris urged anyone with information about Roley or his activities prior to the incident to come forward, emphasizing that “even the smallest detail may be critical.”
Community in Mourning
The fallen firefighters’ identities have not been released, pending notification of their families. On Sunday evening, a somber procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles escorted their bodies from Kootenai Health to the Spokane medical examiner’s office. Kootenai County Commission Chair Bruce Mattare called June 29, 2025, “a day we will not forget in this community.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the “heinous direct assault” on the firefighters, and U.S. Senator Jim Risch joined in mourning the “heroic first responders murdered in the line of duty.” Plans for a public memorial to honor the fallen firefighters are underway as the community grapples with the loss.
Ongoing Efforts
The investigation continues, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances of this tragic event. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with federal and state agencies to ensure a thorough examination of all evidence.
My heart is broken for all families involved and for the loss of life and those wounded in this horrific tragedy. Our prayers are for everyone in the community and their loved ones. I will try to keep everyone updated here on this article.
Sources: Information compiled from reports by ABC News, The Associated Press, CNN, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.