The Idaho Firefighter Ambush: A Community in Shock and Mourning

The Idaho Firefighter Ambush: A Community in Shock and Mourning

 Coeur d'Alene, Idaho – June 29, 2025

A hot summer afternoon lounging at the top of Canfield Mountain was turned overnight into a tragedy when two firefighters were killed and another was seriously injured in what officials characterized as a calculated sniper ambush.

At about 1:21 p.m. PDT, emergency personnel were alerted by a 911 report of a brush fire down in the lovely Nettleton Gulch of Canfield Mountain, which is usually a popular local destination for hiking and cycling. But now it is being suspected that the call was made by the fire planter himself.

Within less than 40 minutes, Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue firefighters made it to the scene. In perfect timing, sniper fire rained almost instantly down on the crews from heights high above them. The assault was swift and indiscriminate; firefighters did not know of the danger and had little chance to respond to the ambush. 

The Chaos and Response

Radio reports of the attack covered the airways with fear:

> "Everybody's shot up here … send law enforcement now," 

"It's clear to me that this fire was intentionally to draw us in."

Firefighters next were compelled to shelter behind their own equipment, the deeper woods into which their unseen attacker had disappeared staring them in the face.

Following the Sniper

Even as the fire made it tougher to search and raise hazardous conditions, police followed a cellphone that they suspected the sniper was using. By 3:16 p.m., SWAT had located his location. 

Later in the evening, the suspect—20-year-old Wess Roley—was discovered dead next to a high-powered rifle. Authorities are still investigating if he was shot by police or committed suicide. Police investigators found no evidence of other shooters and concluded he acted alone .

Firefighting in the Shadow of Violence

With firefighting operations on hold during the manhunt, the fire engulfed about 20–26 acres, burning thick vegetation and hidden undergrowth. Although the threat of the sniper held up containment, crews went back to work once the suspect's corpse was found. Containment lines were being drawn very slowly by evening .

A no-fly zone was implemented over the mountain, and shelter-in-place directives briefly impacted Coeur d'Alene residents .

Voices from the Community

Sheriff Robert Norris called the attack a "total ambush":

> "These firefighters didn't stand a chance."

Idaho Governor Brad Little, responding on social media, termed it a "heinous direct attack on our courageous firefighters" and ordered flags flown half-staff in their memory. 

Residents along the mountain saw mourning court processions as fire vehicles and personnel accompanied the deceased, and local citizens offered respects from overpasses on highways .

Searching for Motive

The authorities still do not understand what motivated Roley to carry out such a cruel act. Was he suffering from any mental illness? Was he targeting firefighters on purpose? FBI, ATF, and local investigative agencies, including fire investigators, are trying to determine any motive.

The fact that Roley is suspected to have deliberately lit the fire suggests premeditation—this was not random violence but a staged ambush. 

Far-Reaching Implications

This event has set shockwaves in emergency response communities across the country. Firefighters normally charge into harm's way to save lives and property. To be attacked, though, is an insult to the essence of what they do. This will probably necessitate a review of safety procedures, including:

Real-time threat evaluation for wildfires or 911 dispatches

Utilization of aerial surveillance (drones, helicopters) prior to crew deployment

Involvement of law enforcement and fire operations in unknown-risk incidents

There are chilling similarities to other ambushes—most significantly the 2012 Webster tragedy where fire was also used as a decoy. But since this occurred during wildfire season, the aftermath may strike very close to the heart of the fire service and emergency management organizations.

Honoring the Fallen

A funeral procession from Kootenai Health escorted the bodies towards Spokane. Community flags were flown at half-staff, vigils and memorials were starting to spring up around town, and unions of firefighters demanded public moments of silence and prayer. Citizens lined streets with American flags and home-made signs stating "Thank you firefighters", "You will not be forgotten", and "Heroes never die."

This was not just a rescue mission that went deadly—it was a strike against the guardians of the community, a violation of trust and safety.

What's Next?

Investigation: Authorities keep searching evidence and scanning Roley's communications and online activity.

Support: Counseling and financial support are being extended to impacted families and agencies.

Policy & Safety: Emergency response agencies will likely adopt new risk procedures for sending out crews.

National Debate: The attack is fueling controversy regarding brutality towards first responders and the re

quirement for increased protections and awareness.