On a tragic Sunday afternoon near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a devastating ambush resulted in the deaths of two brave firefighters and left a third severely injured while they were responding to a wildfire. According to local authorities, the incident occurred when a man allegedly shot at the firefighters as they arrived to combat a brush fire at Canfield Mountain, a popular area for hiking and biking located just outside the city.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris reported that the firefighters were initially responding to a fire that had been reported in the early afternoon. The sheriff indicated that investigators suspect the shooter intentionally started the wildfire to lure the firefighters to the scene for the ambush. “We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” Norris stated. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, approximately 300 law enforcement officers flooded the area, locking down neighborhoods near the hiking location as they attempted to locate the assailant. The rugged, hilly terrain was complicated by thick brush and smoke, making the search challenging. Authorities were on high alert, unsure of the number of suspects or casualties present. “We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris told reporters during a news conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”

As the search continued, a spokesperson from Kootenai Health confirmed that three firefighters had been transported to the hospital; tragically, two were pronounced dead upon arrival, while the third sustained serious injuries but survived surgery. The deceased firefighters included members from both the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Sheriff Norris mentioned that the third firefighter was currently “fighting for his life,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Utilizing cellphone data, authorities were able to pinpoint the shooter’s location, identifying a cell signal that had remained stationary since approximately 3:15 p.m. Sheriff Norris noted that the shooter appeared to have been hiding in the dense, rugged terrain and was armed with a high-powered rifle. Following the confirmation of shots being fired, deputies were instructed to return fire.

Eventually, a tactical response team located a deceased individual believed to be the shooter, identified later as Wess Roley, alongside a weapon at the scene. “We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,” Norris stated. However, the ongoing fire complicated the recovery, as the flames were burning close to the shooter’s body. Authorities had to act quickly to recover it before it was consumed by the blaze.

In light of the incident, Kootenai County Emergency Management cautioned local residents to remain vigilant, as they anticipated further actions might be necessary due to the continuing wildfire. Fire crews remained on standby throughout the night, and investigations were set to resume on Monday with a focus on finding additional weapons that may have been left by the suspect.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also responded to the scene, providing technical support and tactical assistance. The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released as their families are being notified. However, a procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles escorted the bodies from the hospital in Coeur d’Alene to the medical examiner’s office in Spokane, Washington. Many spectators lined the route, holding American flags in a poignant display of respect and solidarity.

Idaho Governor Brad Little called the fallen firefighters “heroic” for their valiant response to the wildfire. Expressing his condolences, he described the attack as “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” and urged all Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, the community rallies together to honor the fallen heroes and support the injured firefighter who is fighting for his life.