Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — A deliberate ambush in northern Idaho has left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured after a 20-year-old man allegedly set a brush fire to lure emergency responders before opening fire with a high-powered rifle. Authorities described the attack as an “outright ambush” that offered the firefighters no chance to defend themselves.
Brush Fire Call Turns Deadly
The incident began Sunday afternoon when crews were dispatched to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area near Coeur d’Alene. When firefighters arrived, they asked a man to move his parked vehicle so they could access the flames. Moments later, the man opened fire, unleashing a barrage that killed two firefighters and seriously wounded a third.
Sheriff Bob Norris described the first hours of the response as chaotic and dangerous, with law enforcement teams taking sniper fire amid thick smoke, trees, and brush. “We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris said at the time. Three victims were transported to the hospital; two were pronounced dead on arrival, and one remained in critical condition after emergency surgeries.
Victims Identified
The fallen firefighters were Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, who served 17 years with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, who had spent 28 years with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. Engineer David Tysdal, 47, also from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, has undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Suspect Located Through Cellphone Data
Investigators quickly began searching the area, which spanned more than 17,000 square feet and was partly engulfed in flames. Using cellphone data, authorities identified a signal that remained stationary around 3:15 p.m. A tactical response team later located the body of a man believed to be the shooter, with a rifle nearby.
Officials identified the suspect as Wess Roley, a local resident with no known criminal history. He had reportedly been living out of his car before the attack. No additional suspects are believed to be involved.
Social Media Post Hinted at Violence
Before the shooting, Roley posted a photo to social media showing himself masked in camouflage with rifle shells. The image was captioned with a Björk song titled “I’m Going Hunting,” in what authorities now see as a chilling prelude to the ambush.
After setting the fire, Roley opened fire when firefighters confronted him about his vehicle. His abandoned car was later pushed off a mountain ledge to prevent him from escaping, and crews disabled fire engines to block any attempt to flee.
Crime Scene Complicated by Fire
As investigators closed in, flames were advancing toward the suspect’s body. Sheriff Norris said crews had to “scoop the body up” before it was consumed by the fire. A full search of the area continued into Monday to ensure no other weapons or evidence were left behind.
Governor’s Statement and Community Mourning
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack a “heinous act of violence” and ordered flags lowered to half-staff until the fallen firefighters’ memorial services conclude. “This is not Idaho,” he said. “This indescribable loss is felt deeply by all those in the firefighting community and beyond.”
The motive for the attack remains unclear. Investigators have not found a manifesto or evidence linking Roley to extremist groups.
This tragedy underscores the dangers first responders face every day and the profound loss communities endure when acts of senseless violence target those who risk their lives to protect others. Memorial services for the fallen firefighters will be announced in the coming days.
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