Two Firefighters Killed, One Injured in Targeted Attack Near Coeur d’Alene
Shooter Believed to Have Set Wildfire to Lure First Responders

By Staff Reporter
COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO — Monday, June 30, 2025

In a deliberate and horrifying ambush, two firefighters were shot and killed and a third critically wounded on Saturday as they responded to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain, just east of Coeur d’Alene. Authorities have identified the gunman as 20-year-old Wess Roley, a local resident who is believed to have intentionally started the fire before opening fire from a concealed, elevated position.

The incident marks one of the most deadly attacks on emergency responders in Idaho’s history and has left the tight-knit North Idaho community reeling.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., fire crews responded to reports of a brush fire spreading across the slopes of Canfield Mountain. Within minutes of their arrival, first responders came under sniper fire. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots echoing from the tree line.

A swift response from local law enforcement, SWAT teams, and federal agents led to a county-wide shelter-in-place order as over 300 officers conducted a manhunt through rugged terrain. By 7:40 p.m., the suspect — later confirmed to be Roley — was located deceased, armed and wearing tactical clothing. The cause of his death remains under investigation.

Officials confirmed that the deceased were members of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue. A third firefighter, initially in critical condition, remains hospitalized in stable condition following emergency surgery.

“These brave men were responding to a call to protect life and property,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norrisat a press conference Sunday. “What they encountered was an act of calculated violence.”

Governor Brad Little has ordered flags statewide to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the fallen.

The shooter, Wess Roley, had previously worked in tree trimming and was known to have expressed interest in becoming a firefighter himself, according to family sources. He had no known ties to extremist groups, but relatives described recent signs of emotional instability.

“He was a quiet kid,” said a neighbor, “but something clearly broke inside him.”

Authorities from the FBI, ATF, and Idaho State Police are assisting local investigators as they comb through Roley’s digital records, firearm background, and any communications that may point to motive.

Although initial theories suggest mental health factors, officials have not ruled out premeditated intent or potential ideological motives. Sheriff Norris called the attack “an unprecedented, targeted assault on public servants.”

As of Monday morning, the wildfire — which had burned over 25 acres — is now fully contained. A temporary memorial has been set up outside Coeur d’Alene Fire Station No. 3, where flowers, flags, and notes have begun to appear.

“This city is heartbroken,” said Mayor Jim Hammond. “But we are also proud. Proud of the men who gave their lives. Proud of our first responders. And determined that this tragedy will not define us.”

Funeral arrangements for the victims are pending. Counseling and trauma support services have been made available to first responders and affected families.

For continued updates on the investigation and memorial details, follow The Northwest Herald, KHQ News, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.