Incident Overview

On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed and a third injured in an ambush on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Authorities identified the suspect as 20-year-old Wess Val Roley, who allegedly set a brush fire to lure first responders before opening fire from a concealed position. Roley was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Victims

The deceased firefighters were Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. Harwood was a 17-year veteran and former Army National Guard combat engineer; Morrison had over 28 years of service as a firefighter and paramedic. The injured firefighter, Engineer David Tysdal, 47, underwent multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Timeline of Events

• 1:21 p.m. PDT: A 911 call reported a brush fire in Nettleton Gulch on Canfield Mountain.
• ~2:00 p.m.: First responders arrived and were met with gunfire. Witnesses reported that Roley briefly interacted with firefighters before opening fire.
• 3:16 p.m.: Authorities traced Roley's mobile phone signal to an area on the mountain.
• 7:40 p.m.: SWAT officers located Roley's body near the fireline, along with a shotgun.

Investigation

Roley had no significant criminal history but had previous minor interactions with law enforcement. He was reportedly living in his vehicle and had exhibited concerning behavior in recent months. Investigators are analyzing digital devices and other evidence to determine a motive. Roley's grandfather stated that Roley had aspired to be a firefighter and speculated that a possible job rejection may have contributed to the incident.

Aftermath

The wildfire, known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, burned approximately 26 acres and was 75% contained as of July 4. Governor Brad Little ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the fallen firefighters. The incident has prompted discussions on the safety of first responders and the need for increased security measures during emergency responses.