COEUR D’ALENE, ID — In what officials are calling a calculated and horrific act of violence, 20-year-old Wess Roley has been identified as the suspected gunman who ambushed emergency personnel responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, killing two firefighters and critically wounding another in a devastating incident that has left the community reeling.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, June 30, 2025, when fire crews responded to a brush fire reported in the rugged, heavily wooded terrain near Coeur d’Alene. What initially appeared to be a routine wildfire call quickly turned into an unspeakable tragedy. Authorities now believe that Roley intentionally set the fire to lure first responders into a deadly trap.
As firefighters from multiple agencies arrived and began assessing the scene, gunshots rang out. Without warning, the emergency responders were targeted in a sniper-style ambush.
Fallen Heroes
Two firefighters were killed in the attack:
- One firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
- One firefighter from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue
A third firefighter was critically wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in intensive care. Their name has not yet been released, and the firefighting community is rallying around their family, hoping for a full recovery.
The names of the two fallen heroes have not been released pending family notifications, but officials have confirmed that both individuals were seasoned firefighters deeply committed to serving their communities.
The Gunman: Wess Roley
After an extensive manhunt involving local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies, the body of Wess Roley was discovered Sunday evening in the vicinity of the ambush site. A firearm was found near his body, and investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Little is known publicly about Roley’s motive or personal background at this time. Law enforcement officials are currently conducting a deep investigation into his activities and digital footprint in the days and weeks leading up to the attack. Authorities are also working to determine whether Roley had a history of mental illness, extremist ideologies, or prior conflicts with local agencies.
A Calculated and Chilling Act
According to initial findings, Roley deliberately set the fire in a remote area of Canfield Mountain, fully aware that emergency crews would respond. He positioned himself at a tactical vantage point, waiting for firefighters to arrive before opening fire.
“This was a cold, calculated ambush,” said a spokesperson from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s one of the most heartbreaking and senseless tragedies we’ve ever had to deal with. These firefighters were responding to a call for help — and they walked straight into a trap.”
Community in Mourning
The community of Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County is in shock. Flags are flying at half-staff, fire stations have draped black banners across their doors, and vigils are being planned to honor the lives lost.
Messages of support and grief have poured in from around the country as fellow firefighters, first responders, and residents express their sorrow and outrage over the deadly attack.
Governor Brad Little released a statement condemning the violence:
“Idaho mourns the loss of these brave first responders who gave their lives in service to others. We are devastated by this tragedy, and we stand with their families, departments, and communities in this time of immense grief.”
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI, ATF, and other law enforcement agencies are now assisting with the investigation to piece together the full scope of Wess Roley’s actions and motives. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Roley or who may have seen anything suspicious in the Canfield Mountain area prior to the incident to contact local law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
This tragic ambush has left an indelible scar on the firefighting and first responder communities in Idaho and beyond. The loss of two dedicated public servants in the line of duty is a reminder of the unpredictable dangers they face each day — even when responding to something as seemingly routine as a wildfire.
As the community prepares to lay its heroes to rest, one message resounds clearly: they will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace to the fallen. We honor your courage, your service, and your sacrifice.
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