On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon in late June 2025, the rugged beauty of Canfield Mountain, just outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, became the stage for a horrifying act of violence that would leave a community in mourning and a nation in shock. What began as a routine response to a small wildfire turned into a deadly ambush, as a lone gunman, later identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, allegedly set the fire as a trap to lure firefighters and police into his line of fire. The chilling police scanner audio capturing the frantic calls for help from officers and firefighters under attack has reverberated across the country, exposing the vulnerability of first responders and raising urgent questions about safety and motive.

The Scene: Canfield Mountain

Canfield Mountain, nestled in the Idaho panhandle, is a beloved destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Its dense forests, winding trails, and panoramic views make it a cornerstone of Coeur d’Alene’s recreational culture. The mountain, which straddles public and private lands, is typically a place of tranquility, where locals and visitors alike escape the hustle of daily life. However, on June 29, 2025, this serene landscape became a battlefield.

At approximately 1:21 p.m. local time, emergency dispatchers received a call reporting a brush fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain. The blaze, initially estimated at half an acre, prompted a swift response from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and the Northern Lakes Fire District. Firefighters, trained to act decisively in the face of wildfires, deployed to the scene to conduct reconnaissance and contain the flames. The region’s dry conditions, exacerbated by a recent heatwave, heightened the urgency, as even small fires could escalate rapidly in such terrain.

The Ambush Unfolds

As firefighters arrived at the scene around 2:00 p.m., they were met not with the crackle of burning brush but with the terrifying sound of gunfire. A sniper, concealed in the rugged, tree-covered terrain, opened fire on the unsuspecting first responders. The attack was immediate and relentless, catching the firefighters off guard as they began their work. Two battalion chiefs, later identified as Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, were fatally wounded. A third firefighter, Dave Tysdal, was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.

The police scanner audio from that moment captures the raw panic and chaos. A surviving firefighter’s voice, strained with fear and urgency, crackled over the radio: a desperate plea for law enforcement backup, reporting that multiple colleagues were down and under fire. The audio, which has since circulated widely, reveals the sheer terror of being targeted in what was supposed to be a routine operation. Officers responding to the call for help found themselves pinned down by gunfire, unsure of the shooter’s position or whether multiple assailants were involved.

A Massive Response

The attack triggered a massive, multi-agency response involving approximately 300 local, state, and federal law enforcement officers. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Robert Norris, coordinated efforts to neutralize the threat while grappling with the ongoing wildfire, now named the Nettleton Gulch Fire. Helicopters equipped with heat-seeking technology circled overhead, struggling to pinpoint the shooter through thick smoke and dense foliage. SWAT teams and FBI agents joined the effort, navigating the treacherous terrain under the constant threat of sniper fire.

Sheriff Norris later described the attack as a “total ambush,” emphasizing that the firefighters had no chance to defend themselves. The shooter, believed to have used a shotgun loaded with rifled slugs, had positioned himself strategically, possibly in a tree or elevated vantage point, to maximize the element of surprise. The rugged landscape, with its steep slopes and heavy brush, provided natural cover, making it difficult for responders to locate him.

As the gunfire continued for several hours, a shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby neighborhoods, including those in Coeur d’Alene, a city of about 57,000 residents located 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington. Residents like Debbie Essman watched smoke rise from the mountain, their sense of safety shattered by the unfolding tragedy. The order, which lasted until late Sunday evening, underscored the severity of the situation as authorities worked to ensure no additional threats remained.

Tracking the Suspect

Using cellphone signal data, law enforcement eventually zeroed in on a wooded area where the shooter was believed to be hiding. At around 3:16 p.m., a tactical response team detected a phone signal that had remained active in the same location, guiding them to the suspect. There, they found the body of Wess Roley, a 20-year-old transient with ties to Idaho, Arizona, and Oklahoma. A firearm, identified as a shotgun, was found nearby. Authorities believe Roley acted alone and likely took his own life, though the exact circumstances of his death remain under investigation.

The discovery of Roley’s body allowed authorities to lift the shelter-in-place order, but the wildfire continued to burn, complicating efforts to process the scene. The fire, which had grown to 26 acres by Monday, was being fought with aerial water drops and ground crews, but the difficult terrain slowed progress. The Idaho Department of Lands estimated that a fire line to contain the blaze would be established by Monday night, but the combination of the ongoing fire and the crime scene investigation posed significant challenges.

The Victims: Heroes Lost

Frank Harwood and John Morrison were more than firefighters; they were pillars of their community. Harwood, a 17-year veteran of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, was a devoted husband and father of two. Described as an exceptional leader, he was known for his dedication to protecting lives and property. Morrison, who had served with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department since 1996, was equally respected for his commitment and professionalism. Their loss sent shockwaves through the tight-knit firefighting community, with colleagues and residents alike mourning the senseless tragedy.

Dave Tysdal, the injured firefighter, underwent emergency surgery and was reported to be in stable but critical condition. The outpouring of support for Tysdal and the families of Harwood and Morrison was immediate, with an impromptu procession of police cars and fire engines through Coeur d’Alene on Sunday night. Residents lined the streets, some waving American flags, to honor the fallen heroes.

The Suspect: Wess Roley

Wess Roley, the alleged shooter, remains an enigmatic figure. Described as a transient, he had lived in multiple states and had family ties to Idaho. Some reports suggest he once expressed interest in becoming a firefighter, a detail that adds a troubling layer to the investigation. Former classmates described him as an individual with disturbing tendencies, including an obsession with firearms and, in some instances, drawing swastikas in school notebooks. These accounts paint a picture of a troubled young man, though no clear motive for the attack has been established.

Roley’s grandfather expressed disbelief, noting that his grandson had admired firefighters. Yet, the calculated nature of the attack—setting a fire with a flint starter to lure responders—suggests premeditation. Investigators are exploring whether personal grievances, ideological beliefs, or mental health issues played a role, but answers remain elusive.

A Community in Mourning

The attack on Canfield Mountain has left Coeur d’Alene and the broader Idaho panhandle reeling. The region, known for its outdoor lifestyle and close-knit communities, is unaccustomed to such violence. Local leaders, including Idaho Governor Brad Little, condemned the attack as a “heinous assault” on brave first responders, calling for unity and prayers for the victims’ families.

The tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about the risks faced by first responders. Firefighters and police officers routinely put themselves in harm’s way, but the deliberate targeting of these heroes in a planned ambush underscores the need for enhanced safety protocols and awareness. The chilling scanner audio, with its raw depiction of the attack, has become a haunting reminder of the dangers inherent in their work.

Looking Forward

As investigators continue to piece together the events of June 29, 2025, the focus remains on honoring the fallen and supporting the recovery of the injured. The Nettleton Gulch Fire, though contained, serves as a lingering reminder of the day evil descended on Canfield Mountain. For the people of Coeur d’Alene, the scars of this tragedy will take time to heal, but their resilience and commitment to community will guide them forward.

The loss of Frank Harwood and John Morrison is a wound felt not only in Idaho but across the nation, where first responders are celebrated as everyday heroes. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and their legacy will endure in the courage of those who continue to answer the call.