COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A terrifying sniper-style ambush on Canfield Mountain has left two firefighters dead and another critically injured after an armed gunman opened fire during a wildfire response Sunday afternoon. Authorities have identified the shooter as Wess Roley, whose body was later discovered near a firearm in the area.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, Roley allegedly set a brush fire in the forested terrain with the intent of luring emergency personnel to the scene. When fire crews responded around 1:21 p.m., gunfire erupted shortly after their arrival. Two firefighters — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and one from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue — were fatally shot. A third firefighter was seriously wounded and airlifted to a hospital, where he is now in stable condition.
The ambush triggered a massive law enforcement response, with officers and tactical teams exchanging fire with the suspect over several hours. Snipers were deployed via helicopters, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents. By 4:30 p.m., officers were authorized to use deadly force if the shooter was spotted. It remains unclear whether Roley died from police gunfire or suicide.
“This was a total ambush,” Sheriff Norris said at a press briefing. “These firefighters did not have a chance. It was a cold, calculated act of violence.” Scanner audio captured during the incident revealed the fear and urgency of first responders as they called for backup under fire.
Investigators believe Roley acted alone, though his motive remains unknown. Evidence suggests he moved between shooting positions on foot, which initially led authorities to believe there might be more than one shooter. The FBI and other federal agencies are assisting with the investigation, and more weapons or tactical gear may still be recovered at the scene.
Governor Brad Little condemned the violence in a public statement, calling the shooting a “cowardly and heinous attack” on those who protect the public. Firefighting efforts on Canfield Mountain were temporarily suspended due to the threat but are expected to resume. The fallen firefighters’ names have not yet been released as their families are notified. Grief counselors and support services are being provided to impacted first responders as the community reels from this senseless tragedy.