Tragedy struck the quiet slopes of Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when two firefighters were fatally shot and another critically wounded during what authorities believe was a premeditated ambush. The incident occurred shortly after 1:21 p.m. on a Sunday, as firefighters responded to reports of a brush fire. The subsequent investigation identified the shooter as 20-year-old Wess Roley, who was found dead near his firearm after the deadly encounter.
The victims, one member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, were assessing the situation when they were attacked. A third firefighter suffered serious injuries and underwent surgery, later reported to be in stable condition. Efforts to notify the families of the deceased are ongoing, hence their names have not been released.
Law enforcement officials, piecing together the events, suspect that Roley may have set the fire intentionally, luring emergency personnel into a fatal trap. His body was discovered close to the weapon used in the shooting, while the Nettleton Gulch Fire, as it came to be known, continued to spread. By Monday, the fire had grown to approximately 26 acres, fueled by challenging terrain that complicated containment efforts.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris stated that it remains uncertain whether Roley's death was self-inflicted or if he was shot by police. An anonymous law enforcement official confirmed Roley’s identity to the Associated Press, revealing that his last known residence was in Phoenix, Arizona. Details such as his employment status at the time of the incident are still unknown.
Shawn Turner, a former U.S. national intelligence communications leader, noted that the investigation is probing into Roley's past altercations with law enforcement, his belief system, and potential motives. Turner characterized the assault as “fairly complex,” indicating a possible intention by Roley to harm more individuals.
The community has been deeply affected by the violence, with flags in Kootenai County being lowered to half-staff and memorials erected at local fire stations for the slain firefighters. Calls for unity and support for the families of the victims have been widespread. Authorities continue to solicit public assistance for information on Roley's recent activities, associates, or motives, as they review digital evidence and social media activity.
The incident has set a somber tone in the region, as the once tranquil mountain became the backdrop for a grim reminder of the dangers first responders face. The ongoing investigation seeks to understand the full scope of this calculated attack and prevent such tragedies in the future.
