In a deeply disturbing turn of events, a 20-year-old man identified as Wess Roley fatally ambushed firefighters in Canfield Mountain, Idaho, Idaho firefighter shooting after allegedly setting a blaze to lure emergency responders. The attack claimed the lives of two firefighters and left a third injured. Ironically, Roley once dreamed of becoming a firefighter himself—a revelation that has left authorities and the public grappling with confusion and heartbreak.
A Deadly Ambush
The incident occurred on Sunday as fire crews responded to a reported blaze near Coeur d’Alene. According to BBC News, Roley opened fire using what authorities believe to be a high-powered rifle. Two firefighters, Frank Harwood and John Morrison, lost their lives, while a third, Dave Tysdal, remains in stable condition. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the assault as a “total ambush.”
From Admiration to Tragedy
Authorities revealed that Roley had once admired firefighters and even aspired to join the profession. His grandfather, Dale Roley, told NBC News that his grandson “idolised” fire crews and had been in contact with fire departments for potential employment Idaho firefighter shooting.
“He loved firefighters,” said Dale. “It didn’t make sense that he was shooting firefighters. Maybe he got rejected or something.”
Suspect’s Background and Mental Health Concerns
Roley had moved from Arizona to Idaho in 2023 to work with his father’s tree-trimming business. According to his mother’s now-archived social media post, Wess was “doing great living in Idaho” as of October 2024.
Though Sheriff Norris confirmed that Roley had minor prior interactions with law enforcement, there was no significant criminal history Idaho firefighter shooting. He also clarified there was “no nexus to Islamic jihad,” refuting misinformation circulating on social media.
The Attack and Aftermath
Roley allegedly started the Nettleton Gulch Fire using a flint found near his body. The fire grew to 26 acres but did not threaten any structures. First responders arrived at 13:21 PDT and were under fire less than 40 minutes later. Law enforcement deployed over 300 personnel, including helicopters with snipers, to locate the shooter.
After hours of gunfire and a massive manhunt, Roley was found dead on a hiking trail. Authorities believe he died by suicide. The manhunt required disabling several vehicles, including pushing Roley’s car off the mountain to prevent escape.
Community in Mourning
Idaho’s governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters. The city of Coeur d’Alene and neighboring counties are mourning the devastating loss. “These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris said solemnly.
Emergency Responder Safety in Focus
This ambush has raised concerns about the vulnerability of emergency responders. In recent years, firefighters and paramedics have increasingly been targeted during calls, prompting calls for better training, mental health evaluations, and protective measures.
Read more tragic stories involving first responders on The Morning News Informer.
Conclusion
The tragic ambush on Canfield Mountain highlights a chilling paradox—a man once aspiring to serve as a firefighter turned into a deadly threat. As investigations continue, Idaho and the nation confront not only the loss of heroic lives but deeper questions about mental health, social rejection, and violence against public servants.
