A routine wildfire response in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on June 30, 2025, turned into a deadly ambush, leaving two veteran firefighters dead and another critically injured. Authorities confirmed that the attack was premeditated and the fire was intentionally set to lure emergency responders into a fatal trap.
The Initial Fire Call
At approximately 1:21 p.m. local time, emergency services received reports of a brush fire in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a popular hiking and recreation site near Coeur d’Alene. Firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Northern Lakes Fire District responded to the call. It appeared to be a standard vegetation fire, covering a relatively small area at first.
However, just over 30 minutes later, a sudden and violent attack unfolded. Firefighters on the scene came under gunfire. Radio transmissions captured the urgency of the moment, with one firefighter urgently requesting law enforcement assistance. The call made clear that several personnel had been injured and there was an ongoing threat from an unidentified shooter.
The Victims
Authorities later confirmed that Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 46, of Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, were both killed during the ambush. Another firefighter, Engineer David Tysdal, 47, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery.
Morrison had served for 28 years, while Harwood had spent 17 years with the fire service. Tysdal was a highly respected member of the department and his condition has since stabilized following surgery.
How the Ambush Unfolded
According to Kootenai County officials and law enforcement, the attacker lay in wait in a wooded area near the fire site. As firefighters approached to extinguish the blaze, the gunman opened fire from a concealed position. Law enforcement described the shooting as a sniper-style ambush.
Sheriff Robert Norris of Kootenai County confirmed in a press briefing that the suspect appeared to have set the fire deliberately to lure firefighters to the area. The rapid escalation of events led to a multi-agency response, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which joined the investigation shortly after the attack.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents near the Canfield Mountain Trailhead as law enforcement combed the area in search of the shooter. Over 300 officers participated in the search, including specialized SWAT teams.
Discovery of the Suspect
The suspect, later identified as Wess Roley, a 20-year-old male who had moved to Coeur d’Alene in mid-2024, was found deceased around 7:40 p.m. the same day. His body was discovered near the scene of the attack with a firearm—specifically, a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with rifled slugs—found nearby. Authorities believe he died by suicide.
Investigators believe Roley acted alone and had no prior criminal record. He had previously expressed an interest in firefighting and had worked in tree service jobs. According to family and acquaintances, he had recently been living out of his vehicle. Law enforcement confirmed there were no previous red flags or known threats associated with his background.
Motive and Investigation
As of now, investigators have not identified a clear motive. However, they have confirmed that the fire was intentionally set using a flint striker or similar method. This points to a calculated plan to draw firefighters into a targeted attack.
The FBI and ATF continue to investigate the suspect’s digital footprint, communications, and prior activity to determine whether there were ideological motives or psychological factors involved. Officials have not found any manifesto, social media threats, or evidence pointing to affiliations with extremist groups.
Fire Aftermath
The fire, now known as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, eventually grew to cover 26 acres before being contained. Firefighters re-entered the area the following day, once it was deemed safe by law enforcement, to complete containment efforts.
A no-fly zone was temporarily established over the fire area to aid the investigation and ensure the safety of ground crews.
Public and Government Response
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack in a statement posted on social media, describing it as a direct assault on emergency responders. He ordered flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the victims and called on the public to support their families and colleagues.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) also issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the fallen and injured firefighters. Peer support teams were sent to Coeur d’Alene to assist grieving colleagues and families.
Local officials and members of the community held a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the victims, and a memorial fund was established to support the families of Morrison, Harwood, and Tysdal.
National Context
This ambush is one of the deadliest targeted attacks against firefighters in U.S. history. Although rare, similar incidents have occurred, such as the 2012 ambush in Webster, New York, where two firefighters were killed after responding to a deliberately set fire. That case led to calls for enhanced protection and coordination between firefighting and law enforcement agencies during emergency responses.
The Coeur d’Alene ambush has renewed similar concerns, and national firefighter unions are calling for greater situational awareness and potential changes in training and response protocols.
Lessons and Next Steps
In the wake of this incident, fire departments across the country are re-evaluating how they respond to calls in potentially volatile areas. While most fire calls are routine, this attack demonstrates the potential risks emergency responders face even in seemingly ordinary situations.
Sheriff Norris emphasized the importance of cross-agency training and urged lawmakers to consider additional protective measures for first responders. The tragic loss of two dedicated public servants serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who run toward danger to protect others.
As investigations continue, the community in Coeur d’Alene is focused on healing, honoring the fallen, and ensuring such a tragedy never occurs again.
Sources
- Time – Idaho Firefighters Ambushed: What to Know
- CBS News – 2 firefighters killed in ambush
- Wall Street Journal – Two Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush
- Wikipedia – 2025 Coeur d’Alene shooting
- OPB – Idaho suspect in deadly ambush of firefighters found dead
- Daily Beast – Firefighters Shot While Responding to Blaze