Firefighter ambush in Idaho: Gunman once dreamed of joining fire service, officials say

What happened on Canfield Mountain and what timeline has emerged?

Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, started like many others for the Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue teams. At 1:21 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a report of a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Firefighters from both agencies responded quickly, expecting a routine containment operation. But within 40 minutes, dispatchers began receiving frantic 911 calls—firefighters were under fire.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris described the scene as a “total ambush,” with first responders caught off guard and unable to defend themselves. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting a countywide manhunt involving more than 300 officers, including SWAT teams, under challenging terrain and mounting tension.

By 6:30 p.m., law enforcement had established secure perimeter zones and received clearance to neutralize the shooter. A mere hour and ten minutes later, at 7:40 p.m., SWAT units located the suspect’s body near a shotgun. Investigators believe he died of a self‑inflicted wound.

Officials have confirmed that only one shooter was involved, overturning initial speculation about multiple attackers. The suspect’s body and firearm were recovered before the fire could spread further, which helped preserve crucial physical evidence.

Who has been identified as the suspect, and what was his connection to firefighting?

Kootenai County officials have officially named the suspect as 20‑year‑old Wess Roley. Born in California, he previously lived in Arizona before moving to Idaho. In the months leading up to the incident, Roley appeared to be living out of his truck near the mountain, according to investigators.

Sheriff Norris revealed that Roley had once aspired to be a firefighter—a detail that is now under scrutiny by investigators. Although officials have no concrete evidence linking that aspiration to the shooting, they emphasize that this connection cannot be ignored.

Roley’s law‑enforcement record prior to June 29 included five minor interactions— trespassing incidents and welfare checks—all described by the sheriff as “non‑violent” and without charges filed.

What do we know about the attack itself and how it was orchestrated?

Investigators believe Roley deliberately set the brush fire using a flint striker, intending to draw in firefighters before launching the ambush. Authorities discovered that Roley came from an arborist family and had tree‑climbing experience, enabling him to position himself in a vantage point concealed within the forest canopy.

Reports suggest that when firefighters arrived, Roley may have engaged them briefly—possibly posing as a bystander—before opening fire. Once the shots rang out, initial responders were pinned down, and backup units struggled to reach the scene through dense terrain and growing panic.

As the fire consumed more acreage, tactical teams used phone‑tower triangulation to track Roley’s position. Exchanges of gunfire occurred as SWAT advanced uphill toward him. The lengthy standoff ended shortly after sunset when officials confirmed the suspect deceased.

Who are the victims and how has the community responded?

The ambush claimed the lives of two veteran firefighters: Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, a 17‑year veteran and former National Guard combat engineer; and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, with over 28 years of service at Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.

The third injured firefighter, Engineer Dave Tysdal, 47, also of Coeur d’Alene Fire, remains hospitalized in stable condition post‑surgery.

The loss has devastated the firefighting community. Governor Brad Little, in a statement, called the attack an “evil assault on our brave public servants” and ordered flags lowered to half‑staff. Funeral processions drew supporters from across Idaho, with mourners honoring the fallen chiefs as heroes.

First‑responder organizations nationwide have since called for enhanced safety protocols when dispatched to remote fires, particularly those in heavily wooded regions where ambush scenarios are possible.

How are federal agencies involved and what is the focus of the ongoing investigation?

In addition to local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation. The ATF is leading efforts to trace the shotgun’s origin, while the FBI is combing through digital evidence, including Roley’s social media and devices recovered from his vehicle.

Authorities have also forensically examined his truck, which was deliberately pushed down an embankment to prevent escape during the pursuit. Investigators are searching for additional firearms, incendiary materials, or evidence of planning and intent.

So far, they have not uncovered any manifesto, extremist affiliation, or ideological motive. Sheriff Norris confirmed that everything points to a lone actor. Investigators remain uncertain if Roley’s earlier firefighter aspiration influenced his actions during the attack.

What has the suspect’s family said, and what are the broader implications?

Speaking through their attorney, Roley’s family expressed profound shock and sorrow, stating they “do not understand why this happened or how this came about.” They pledged full cooperation with authorities and offered condolences to victims’ families.

The shooting has stirred a national conversation about the dangers firefighters and first responders face—even during seemingly routine calls. Mental health experts and union leaders are urging therapy and resilience training for crews deployed to isolated or potentially hostile environments.

Across rural districts, some departments are evaluating policies to deploy additional backup and drone surveillance when responding to remote fires, advocating for real‑time situational assessment to guard against ambush scenarios.

What’s next: investigation updates and public call for information

Sheriff Norris said that investigators are in the early stages and seeking public assistance. He urged anyone with details—video footage, call logs, or digital photos—from between noon and 2:30 p.m. around Canfield Mountain to come forward.

The ATF’s shotgun tracing could clarify whether Roley legally acquired the weapon or if illicit channels were involved. FBI analysis of Roley’s communications and digital footprint remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, fire districts across North America are reinforcing internal safety drills and updating dispatch protocols to mitigate risks for personnel responding to wildland blazes.