Ambush Shooting Claims Lives of Two Firefighters in Idaho

In a tragic incident that has shocked the Coeur d'Alene community, two firefighters were fatally shot and a third injured while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Idaho on June 29, 2025. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, reportedly set the fire intentionally before opening fire on the first responders. The ambush has raised serious concerns about the safety of emergency personnel in the line of duty.

According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, Roley was found dead on the mountain later that evening, believed to be the only shooter involved in this heinous act. The brush fire, which has since been named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, burned approximately 26 acres, prompting a significant response from firefighting and law enforcement agencies. The incident was described as a planned ambush, with investigators now working to understand Roley's motives.

The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department responded to the fire around 1:21 PM, but by 2:00 PM, firefighters reported they were under gunfire. This led to a massive mobilization of law enforcement, with around 300 officers from multiple agencies, including the FBI, responding to the scene. Firefighting efforts were delayed due to the ongoing gunfire, and crews could not access the fire until it was deemed safe later in the evening.

Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the fallen firefighters, emphasizing the state's grief over this 'shocking ambush.'

The community has come together to support the families of the victims, with local leaders expressing their condolences and calling for an evaluation of emergency response protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare stated that this incident is 'unheard of' for a community known for its respect for public safety personnel.

Shawn Turner, a former US national intelligence communications director, suggested that investigators would likely explore any potential conflicts between Roley and local law enforcement, as well as any broader anti-law enforcement sentiments that may have motivated the attack.

The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement officials emphasizing the need to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic event. They have not released the names of the deceased firefighters, respecting the wishes of their families during this difficult time.

As the community mourns, it is clear that this incident will have lasting implications on how emergency responders are protected in the field. The bravery of those who risk their lives to protect others stands as a testament to the values of Coeur d'Alene, but the haunting reality of this ambush serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they face every day.