Two veteran firefighters were killed and a third was critically injured after being ambushed by gunfire while responding to a brush fire near Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho. Law enforcement say the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, intentionally started the blaze to lure first responders into a trap.
The attack unfolded Sunday afternoon as fire crews responded to a fire near the popular trail system just outside Coeur d’Alene. Within minutes of their arrival, dispatchers received emergency radio calls indicating active gunfire at the scene.
Victims Identified, Shooter Confirmed Dead
Kootenai County officials confirmed the deaths of Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52. Fire Engineer David Tysdal, 47, sustained serious injuries but has since undergone surgery and remains in critical but stable condition.
The suspect, Roley, was later found dead in the nearby forest from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm and a flint fire starter were recovered near his body.
Suspect Lived in Vehicle, Had No Major Criminal Record
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described Roley as a transient with past ties to California and Arizona who had been living in Idaho since 2024. He reportedly had minor past interactions with law enforcement, including a trespassing complaint, but nothing that signaled a threat of violence.
“There’s no manifesto, no explanation, no known ideology at this point,” Norris said during a press conference. However, he noted that Roley once expressed interest in becoming a firefighter himself.
The motive remains unclear, but officials believe the fire was intentionally set to lure emergency responders into the ambush.
Audio Reveals Chaos at the Scene
Emergency radio transmissions from the incident paint a harrowing picture. One responder reported, “We’ve got two battalion chiefs down, multiple gunshot wounds… I’m pinned down.” Firefighters took cover behind trucks as the gunman opened fire from a concealed position.
Law enforcement launched a coordinated manhunt involving helicopters, tactical units, and cell phone tracking. Roley’s body was discovered several hours later.
Community and State Response
Governor Brad Little ordered U.S. and Idaho state flags lowered to half-staff, calling the ambush “a heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
“These heroes answered the call to protect their community and paid the ultimate price,” Little said. “This kind of violence is not what Idaho stands for.”
Residents of Coeur d’Alene gathered along I-90 for a memorial procession as the fallen firefighters’ bodies were transported to Spokane, Washington, for examination.
Fire Contained, Investigation Ongoing
The Idaho Department of Lands reported that the fire burned approximately 26 acres and is now considered contained. Officials are continuing to investigate Roley’s background, digital activity, and vehicle to determine a motive.
Authorities said mental health, housing instability, and isolation may have contributed to Roley’s state in the lead-up to the attack, though no definitive conclusions have been drawn.
