Suspect Identified After Arson Ambush Leads to Two Idaho Firefighter’s Deaths

By Greg Pruett • June 30, 2025

Authorities have identified the suspect behind Sunday’s deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain that left two firefighters dead and a third critically injured. The attack, which law enforcement officials say was premeditated, began with an intentionally set wildfire designed to lure first responders into a trap.

The suspect, 20-year-old Wess Roley, was found dead on the mountain with a firearm nearby following an hours-long manhunt, according to law enforcement officials. His identity was confirmed by law enforcement officials speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris stated that the fire was deliberately ignited to draw emergency personnel into the area. “This was a total ambush,” Norris said during a press briefing. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

The first 911 call reporting a brush fire on Canfield Mountain came in at 1:21 p.m. on Sunday. By 2:00 p.m., firefighters on the scene were under fire. Law enforcement officers responded swiftly, exchanging gunfire with the suspect. Roley’s body was later located using cellphone data, and officials believe he acted alone.

Due to the ongoing wildfire, investigators were forced to remove the suspect’s body from the scene prematurely. Sheriff Norris noted that the fire’s proximity made it unsafe to continue processing the crime scene, delaying further forensic investigation.

The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released. One was a member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and the other served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter, also from Coeur d’Alene, remains hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing surgery.

In response to the tragedy, Governor Brad Little ordered all U.S. and Idaho state flags to be flown at half-staff until the day following the victims’ memorial service. “This is not Idaho,” Little said in a statement. “This indescribable loss is felt deeply by all those in the firefighting community and beyond.”

Authorities have not released a motive for the attack.

The Idaho Department of Lands continues to battle the wildfire, which has grown to over 20 acres. The FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation, and a temporary no-fly zone has been established over the area to aid tactical operations