Idaho Firefighters Fatally Shot in Planned Sniper Attack
Two firefighters were killed and another critically injured in what authorities are calling a calculated sniper ambush near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The deadly Canfield Mountain shooting unfolded on Saturday, June 29, 2025, turning a routine wildfire response into a horrifying tragedy.
"These firefighters walked into what they believed was a routine call for service," said County Sherriff Norris during a Sunday press conference. "Instead, they were met with unimaginable violence."
A Familiar Place, Now Marked by Violence
Canfield Mountain is a go-to spot for local hikers and mountain bikers; an outdoor playground known for its challenging trails and sweeping views of Coeur d’Alene.
The Canfield Mountain Natural Area spans 24 acres and connects to more than 25 miles of trails that wind through dense forest and rugged terrain. According to the U.S. Forest Service, many of the paths are steep and technical, littered with loose rock, exposed roots, and sudden drop-offs. It’s the kind of place where weekend warriors push their limits and families come to spend time in nature.
Now, it’s also the site of an unthinkable act of violence, turning a cherished community space into a crime scene.
A Routine Wildfire Call Turns into a Sniper Attack
Emergency dispatchers received a report of a small brush fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain. The caller did not leave a name and, according to investigators, is not believed to be the gunman.
Wildfires are common this time of year in northern Idaho, so fire crews responded swiftly, adhering to established protocols. But this was no ordinary wildfire.
By 2 pm, firefighters on the scene radioed a chilling update: shots fired.
The gunman, identified as 57-year-old Wess Roley, set the fire intentionally to lure first responders into a deadly trap. Roley opened fire from a concealed position as firefighters worked to contain the flames. County Sheriff Bob Norris described the scene as a "total ambush," stating, "These firefighters did not have a chance."
Timeline of the Canfield Mountain Shooting
1:21 pm: Fire reported on Canfield Mountain.
2:00 pm: Firefighters report taking gunfire.
Shortly After, Hundreds of law enforcement officers, including SWAT and FBI teams, responded to the scene. Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
Just after 7:40 pm, Authorities located a deceased man believed to be the shooter and lifted the shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.
Fast, Focused, and Relentless Response from Law Enforcement
More than 300 officers, from local deputies to federal agents, descended on Canfield Mountain to stop the threat before anyone else got hurt.
With the terrain working against them and daylight slipping away, investigators pulled cellphone location data and quickly zeroed in on a single, unmoving signal tucked deep in the mountain’s dense trail system.
By early evening, officers made their way to the signal's location near one of the area’s popular hiking trails where they discovered the body of Wess Roley and a firearm laying close by.
What happened in those final moments is still under investigation. Sheriff Norris confirmed that law enforcement had exchanged gunfire with the suspect earlier in the day but stopped short of saying how Roley died. For now, the focus remains on the lives saved and the quick, coordinated effort that brought this nightmare to an end.
Who Was Wess Roley?
Little is known so far about the man behind the ambush. Neighbors describe Wess Roley as a loner; quiet, reclusive, and someone who mostly kept to himself. He’d lived in the area for years but never drew much attention.
Authorities say there’s no known connection between Roley and the firefighters he gunned down. As for why he did it? That remains a mystery for now.
Detectives are now combing through his background, phone records, and social media accounts in hope to discover what pushed this man to plan and execute an unprovoked ambush on innocent people.
Moving Forward, But Not Forgetting
In Coeur d'Alene, funeral plans for the fallen firefighters are already underway.
As the investigation continues, officials are promising complete transparency and justice for the victims. But one thing is already clear: Coeur d'Alene will not soon forget what happened on that mountain.
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