A tragic ambush on Canfield Mountain in Idaho left two firefighters dead and one critically injured after they responded to a brush fire intentionally set to lure them. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, was found dead at the scene with a firearm. The incident has shocked the community and garnered national attention.
Suspect Identified in Deadly Ambush
Law enforcement officials have identified Wess Roley, 20, as the alleged gunman responsible for the fatal ambush of firefighters on Canfield Mountain. Roley’s body was discovered near a firearm after a tactical response team tracked a cell phone signal to his location. It remains unclear whether he died by suicide or from law enforcement gunfire.
The Ambush Unfolds
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Fire Reported: Around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday, deputies received a 911 call reporting a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, east of Coeur d’Alene.
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Sniper Fire: Approximately 40 minutes later, at 2 p.m., first responders reported coming under “active sniper fire.”
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Desperate Calls: Firefighters made frantic calls for support, with one stating, “I’m pinned down… It’s clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in.”
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Law Enforcement Response: Around 300 local and federal law enforcement officers, including SWAT teams and a Department of Homeland Security helicopter, descended on the scene.
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Suspect Located: Roley’s body was found around 7:40 p.m. after authorities tracked a cell phone signal that had been stationary since 3:16 p.m.
Victims and Community Impact
Two firefighters, one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, were killed in the attack. A third Coeur d’Alene firefighter, initially in critical condition, is now stable. The identities of the victims have not been released to the public.
The incident has deeply affected the Coeur d’Alene community, which is unaccustomed to such violent crime. Residents expressed shock and sorrow, with many questioning the motive behind the senseless killings. A procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles honored the fallen firefighters as their bodies were transported to Spokane, Washington.
Ongoing Investigation
The Nettleton Gulch fire, believed to have been started by Roley, scorched approximately 20 acres. Firefighting efforts were delayed due to the active shooter situation. Authorities are continuing their investigation to piece together details about the cause of the fire and any potential motives for the attack. Law enforcement officials are also searching for any additional weapons Roley may have had on the mountain.
