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Deliberate Fire, Deadly Trap: Idaho Gunman Ambushes Firefighters in Ruthless Attack That Leaves Two Dead
By Khadija Khan | FNF News | July 1, 2025
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — In a horrifying premeditated attack that has stunned law enforcement and emergency communities across the country, two firefighters were killed and another was seriously wounded Sunday after responding to a deliberately set wildfire that was used as bait to draw them into a deadly ambush.
The suspect, identified as Wess Roley, 20, of Coeur d’Alene, reportedly started the fire near Canfield Mountain before opening fire on first responders with a semi-automatic rifle. Authorities believe the suspect, who later died by suicide, intended the act as a calculated attack on public servants.
“This was a cold-blooded ambush. There’s no other word for it,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris during a press briefing. “These were men who showed up to protect the community. They were murdered without warning.”
The Attack
At approximately 1:33 p.m. on June 30, firefighting crews from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department were dispatched to a rapidly spreading brush fire near Nettleton Gulch Road on the western face of Canfield Mountain.
Less than 30 minutes after their arrival, gunfire erupted.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple rounds fired in quick succession. One crew member managed to call for help, triggering an emergency alert that mobilized local law enforcement, SWAT teams, and federal agents from the FBI and ATF.
Victims Identified
Authorities confirmed the deaths of two veteran firefighters:
- Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
- Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 46, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue
A third firefighter, Engineer Dave Tysdal, was critically wounded and underwent emergency surgery. He remains in stable condition as of Tuesday.
“These men dedicated their lives to saving others,” said Governor Brad Little, who ordered flags lowered to half-staff. “They didn’t just fight fires—they served communities. Their deaths are a tragedy beyond words.”
A Calculated Trap
Initial findings from the investigation indicate the fire was not accidental. Evidence suggests Roley deliberately ignited the blaze with the intent to lure in first responders. He was positioned in a concealed spot along the tree line, equipped with a scoped rifle.
At 3:15 p.m., SWAT officers located Roley’s body approximately 500 yards from the initial attack site. He was deceased from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The weapon, a legally purchased AR-15-style rifle, was found nearby.
Who Was Wess Roley?
Roley was a part-time employee with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. He had no prior criminal record and was described by neighbors as quiet, reclusive, and “obsessed with firefighting.”
His grandfather, who helped raise him, told local reporters, “He was always reading about fires. He said he wanted to be a firefighter someday.”
Investigators have not yet determined a motive, but sources suggest Roley may have been suffering from undiagnosed mental illness. His online activity included searches about arson, firefighting tactics, and tactical ambush strategies.
Fire Aftermath and Community Lockdown
The wildfire—later named the Nettleton Gulch Fire—spread across 26 acres before it was fully contained. As helicopters were preparing to drop retardant, a temporary no-fly zone was imposed due to safety concerns during the law enforcement operation.
Hundreds of residents were briefly placed under shelter-in-place orders. Schools, libraries, and parks in the area were shut down for 24 hours. Crisis counseling centers have been opened for the public and for first responders across the state.
National Reaction
The incident has triggered national outcry from first responder unions, veterans’ groups, and lawmakers from both parties.
“This was a domestic terror-style attack against those sworn to protect life and property,” said Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). “We need to treat it with the same urgency we’d show in any mass-casualty event.”
President Trump’s office released a statement calling the ambush “a cowardly act of violence” and offered condolences to the victims’ families. He vowed that his administration would push for increased protection and support for firefighters and EMTs.
Looking Ahead
Funerals for both victims are expected to be held later this week. Federal authorities have opened a broader investigation into the suspect’s history, online activity, and potential warning signs.
As Idaho mourns, the attack has sparked new conversations about the safety of first responders and the need for improved mental health intervention, gun safety evaluations, and arson tracking.
Sources:
- [CBS News: “Firefighters ambushed in deadly Idaho shooting” – June 30, 2025]
- [Time Magazine: “Idaho Firefighter Ambush Leaves Two Dead”]
- [Sheriff Bob Norris Press Briefing – July 1, 2025]
- [FBI Statement on Roley Investigation – July 1, 2025]