A Community in Mourning After Deadly Attack on First Responders
The peaceful town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is reeling after an unprecedented tragedy shook its core. On Sunday, June 29, a sniper-style ambush left two firefighters dead and a third wounded after they responded to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Authorities have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the gunman behind the Idaho firefighters shot incident, which has left both the city and the nation stunned.
Location of the incident [CNN]
Suspect Orchestrates Deadly Attack
Investigators believe Wess Roley intentionally started a brush fire, later named the Nettleton Gulch Fire, to lure emergency responders into a trap. The Idaho shooting occurred shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene. Law enforcement officials described it as an ambush where “the firefighters did not have a chance.”
The Shooting in Coeur d’Alene unfolded in the rugged terrain of Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area northeast of the city. Around 1:30 p.m., crews arrived to combat the fire. By 2:00 p.m., they frantically radioed for help as gunfire erupted. “Everybody’s shot up here … send law enforcement now,” one firefighter’s voice cried out over dispatch.
Law Enforcement Responds Swiftly
A massive response followed. More than 300 officers from multiple agencies, including the FBI, the Idaho National Guard, and regional law enforcement, converged on the mountain. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that Roley’s cell phone data helped authorities pinpoint his location.
“At 2:00, the firefighters called and said they had been ambushed,” said retired FBI agent Steve Moore. “By 7:40 p.m., the suspect was found deceased near his weapon.”
It remains unclear whether Roley died from law enforcement gunfire or took his own life, but authorities confirmed no other suspects were involved. The area around Canfield Mountain remains under watch as investigators search for additional weapons possibly hidden by the shooter.
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, a procession was held in remembrance of the firefighters killed in Idaho. [Credit: AP]
Wildfire Complicates Rescue and Recovery
The brush fire, which initially covered 15 to 20 acres, grew overnight to 26 acres. The Idaho Department of Lands noted that steep terrain and heavy snags complicated firefighting efforts. Crews couldn’t access the blaze until it was deemed safe later Sunday evening.
The Sniper Fire Idaho incident delayed containment efforts and forced authorities to “scoop up” the suspect’s body quickly due to the encroaching flames. Sheriff Norris emphasized, “We couldn’t preserve the scene like traditionally we would like to, but we had to do what we had to do.”
Community Shows Support for Fallen Heroes
As news spread, Coeur d’Alene residents lined the streets for a solemn procession that transported the slain firefighters from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington. Flags waved and tears fell as the community honoured their fallen heroes.
“It was very moving,” said Bill Buley, assistant managing editor at the Coeur d’Alene Press. “People just kept coming out to show their support.”
Kootenai County Commissioner Bruce Mattare echoed the community’s heartbreak. “This is not who we are as a community,” he said. “The people we lost were absolutely top-notch professionals. It’s unheard of for something like this to happen here.”
Investigators Search for Motive
The investigation into Roley’s motive remains ongoing. Former intelligence director Shawn Turner told CNN that officials are exploring whether the suspect harbored anti-government or anti-law enforcement beliefs.
“This appears to be a fairly complex attack where he intended to harm more people than he did,” Turner said.
Psychological profiles of arsonists reveal that while motivations vary, some intentionally start fires for personal or ideological reasons. Experts say arsonists sometimes crave control or attention. Firefighters shot in Idaho marks one of the most severe consequences of such actions.
Emergency Resources Mobilised
The Shooting in Coeur d’Alene emergency resources response showcased the importance of coordination among multiple agencies. The Idaho Department of Lands mobilised aircraft, heavy machinery, and specialised crews to contain the fire. The National Guard offered a Black Hawk helicopter, while federal agents provided tactical and technical support.
Despite the disruption caused by sniper fire, no structures were lost to the blaze, and firefighting operations resumed once the threat subsided.
A Tragic Day Leaves a Lasting Mark
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the shooting “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” The Idaho House Republican Leadership added, “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene… We are praying for them, the injured, their families, and their colleagues.”
As Idaho begins to heal, residents remain shaken. Many now question the protocols for first responders in volatile situations like this. “Because of the gravity of the situation, we have to evaluate all options,” said Commissioner Mattare.
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Canfield Mountain still smolders with ash, and its trails remain closed. Yet, the hearts of the people of Coeur d’Alene burn brighter with unity, sorrow, and support for the men and women who risk their lives to protect their community.
