On Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, a tragic and violent ambush unfolded on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, when firefighters responding to a brush fire were shot at by a lone gunman. The incident resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and left a third critically wounded but stable after surgery. Authorities believe the suspect deliberately set the wildfire as a trap to lure emergency responders into an attack.
The initial call for the brush fire came in around 1:21 p.m., with firefighters quickly dispatched to the scene. However, by approximately 2 p.m., those firefighters radioed in that they were under fire. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris described the situation as a "total ambush," emphasizing the overwhelming danger faced by the first responders. "These firefighters did not have a chance," he said during a press conference, underscoring the calculated nature of the attack.
Law enforcement officers, including SWAT teams and over 300 personnel from local, county, and federal agencies, rapidly responded to the unfolding crisis. They engaged in an exchange of gunfire with the suspect, who was reportedly using a high-powered rifle and was well-prepared for the rugged terrain. The sheriff noted the difficulty officers and firefighters faced, as the sniper blended into the dense trees and shrubbery, making it challenging to locate the source of gunfire.
During the standoff, residents near the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas were ordered to shelter in place. Kootenai County Emergency Management expanded the shelter order to include areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street in Coeur d'Alene. Emergency alerts warned of an active shooter, urging people to avoid the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to operate safely.
Later that evening, deputies detected a cell phone activation in the vicinity, leading SWAT teams to discover the deceased suspect's body with a firearm nearby. The man was identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday, June 30. Authorities believe Roley acted alone, and no ongoing threat to the community remains. The sheriff's office plans to return to the site to gather additional evidence.
The wildfire, initially a half-acre blaze, had spread to approximately 20 acres by Sunday evening and nearly 30 acres by Monday morning. Fire suppression efforts were temporarily halted due to the active shooter situation but have since resumed with caution, as crews continue to battle the fire amid the heightened security concerns.
Two firefighters lost their lives in the attack—one from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The injured firefighter, also from Coeur d'Alene, underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition. The International Association of Fire Fighters expressed deep sorrow, stating, "While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers." Their identities have not been publicly released out of respect for the families.
Governor Brad Little addressed the tragedy on social media, calling it a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters" and asking Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families. "Teresa and I are heartbroken," he wrote, emphasizing the community's grief and the gravity of the situation.
Local residents described the scene as surreal and heartbreaking. Mark Lathrop, who lives about a block from Canfield Mountain, called the attack "unspeakable evil" and lamented the loss of firefighters from their close-knit neighborhood. Northern Lakes Fire Protection Chief Pat Riley shared his personal devastation, saying, "My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community." Despite the heartbreak, Riley emphasized that firefighters remain focused on their duties amid the tragedy.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office coordinated a solemn procession for the fallen firefighters, escorting their bodies from Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene to Spokane on Sunday evening. The community and emergency personnel gathered to honor their sacrifice during the somber event.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with assistance from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and fire investigators from Spokane, Portland, and Seattle. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed tactical units are on the ground supporting local authorities in the aftermath of the shooting.
While the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, officials caution residents to remain vigilant as the wildfire continues to burn and emergency crews work to contain it. The incident has left the community shaken but determined to support one another and honor the memory of the fallen firefighters.
This ambush marks a rare and tragic event in the history of firefighting and law enforcement in Idaho, highlighting the dangers first responders face even when answering calls to protect the public. The coordinated response by hundreds of officers and firefighters, alongside federal agencies, demonstrated the commitment to public safety despite the unprecedented threat.
