On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a quiet mountain community was thrust into chaos when an active shooter ambushed firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. The situation escalated rapidly, drawing a massive response from local and federal law enforcement, culminating in the dramatic deployment of a Blackhawk helicopter to the scene. This unprecedented incident, which left two firefighters dead and one injured, has gripped the nation, raising questions about the motives behind the attack and the scale of the response. As details continue to emerge, the deployment of military-grade assets like the Blackhawk has sparked intense discussion about the nature of the threat and the measures taken to neutralize it.

The incident began around 1:20 p.m. on June 29, 2025, when firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue were dispatched to a reported brush fire, later dubbed the Nettleton Gulch Fire, on Canfield Mountain. The fire, which scorched approximately 20 acres, appeared to be a routine call in a region accustomed to battling wildfires during dry summer months. However, the situation took a deadly turn when gunfire erupted shortly after the firefighters arrived, around 2:00 p.m. What initially seemed like a standard emergency response transformed into a meticulously planned ambush, with the shooter targeting the very first responders sent to contain the blaze.

The suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Wess Roley, a California native who had been living in North Idaho since 2024, is believed to have deliberately set the fire to lure firefighters and law enforcement to the scene. Roley, who reportedly had aspirations of becoming a firefighter himself, was found dead on the mountain later that evening, with a firearm nearby. Authorities believe he acted alone, though the investigation into his motives and the circumstances of his death remains ongoing. The Idaho State Police are examining whether law enforcement gunfire was responsible for Roley’s death, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

As the gunfire began, the scene descended into pandemonium. Radio dispatches captured the urgency and terror, with one firefighter reportedly shouting, “Everybody’s shot up here … send law enforcement now!” The attack claimed the lives of two firefighters—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue—while a third was wounded and rushed to a local hospital, where they were reported stable after surgery. The loss of these brave first responders sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of grief and support from residents and officials alike.

The scale of the response was staggering. Over 300 law enforcement officers, including local sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents, and SWAT teams, converged on Canfield Mountain. The rugged terrain, dense with brush and trees, posed significant challenges, allowing the shooter to move between positions and evade capture for several hours. Sheriff Bob Norris, addressing the media during a tense press conference, described the situation as an “active shooter zone” and noted that deputies were taking sniper fire even as he spoke. The deployment of advanced technology, including helicopters equipped with heat-seeking capabilities and cellphone signal tracking, played a critical role in locating the suspect.

Among the most striking elements of the response was the reported arrival of a Blackhawk helicopter, a military-grade asset typically associated with high-stakes operations. The helicopter’s presence underscored the gravity of the situation, signaling that authorities were treating the incident as a significant threat to public safety. While Blackhawk helicopters are often used for search-and-rescue missions or to transport personnel in challenging environments, their deployment in an active shooter scenario is rare and indicative of the perceived danger. The chopper was likely used to provide aerial surveillance, transport tactical teams, or assist in pinpointing the suspect’s location in the densely forested area.

The involvement of federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, further highlighted the seriousness of the incident. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement expressing support for Idaho’s first responders and affirming that justice would be served. The FBI provided tactical and technical support, including assets to track the suspect’s cellphone activity, which proved instrumental in locating Roley’s body. The White House and FBI Director were briefed on the situation, reflecting its national significance.

As the crisis unfolded, a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street in Coeur d’Alene, urging people to stay indoors and avoid the area. Canfield Mountain was designated a no-fly zone, with a strict prohibition on drones to prevent interference with law enforcement and firefighting operations. The brush fire, which continued to burn into Monday morning, added another layer of complexity, as fire crews were unable to fully engage the blaze until the shooter was neutralized. The Idaho Department of Lands deployed aerial support to drop water on the fire, aiming to establish a containment line by Monday night.

The community’s response was one of profound sorrow and solidarity. Residents gathered on overpasses to pay their respects, and the International Association of Fire Fighters issued a statement mourning the loss of their “brothers” and calling for prayers for the wounded firefighter and the families of those killed. Idaho Governor Brad Little described the attack as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” urging Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families. The Innovia Foundation established a fund to support the affected families, reflecting the community’s determination to rally together in the face of tragedy.

The incident has raised broader questions about the vulnerabilities of first responders and the increasing dangers they face in the line of duty. The deliberate targeting of firefighters, who are often seen as apolitical figures dedicated to public safety, has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced training and protective measures. The fact that Roley had no significant criminal history—only minor prior contacts with law enforcement for issues like trespassing—has left investigators puzzled about what drove him to commit such a violent act. His reported desire to become a firefighter adds a chilling dimension to the case, suggesting a complex psychological profile that authorities are still working to understand.

The deployment of a Blackhawk helicopter has also drawn attention, with some praising the rapid and robust response, while others question whether the use of military assets in a civilian context signals an escalation in how such incidents are handled. The helicopter’s role, while not fully detailed, likely involved providing critical aerial support in a situation where ground-based operations were hindered by the terrain and the ongoing threat. Its presence has become a focal point of public fascination, symbolizing the intensity of the operation and the lengths to which authorities went to protect the community.

As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on piecing together Roley’s movements, interactions, and possible motivations. His vehicle, which remains at the scene, is being processed for evidence, and investigators are exploring whether he left behind any writings or digital footprints that could shed light on his actions. The absence of a manifesto or clear ideological motive has made it difficult to categorize the attack, though the deliberate nature of the ambush suggests a high degree of planning.

For the residents of Coeur d’Alene, the scars of this tragedy will linger. Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area known for its scenic trails, has become a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who serve. The fire, now largely contained, serves as a metaphor for the broader challenge of healing and rebuilding in the wake of such violence. The bravery of the firefighters, who ran toward danger to protect their community, and the resolve of the law enforcement officers who confronted an armed threat, stand as testaments to the strength of Idaho’s first responders.

The nation watches as Coeur d’Alene grapples with this unprecedented tragedy. The Blackhawk helicopter, a symbol of both power and urgency, encapsulates the extraordinary measures taken to restore safety. As the community mourns, the focus remains on honoring the fallen, supporting the survivors, and seeking answers to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. This incident, with its blend of heroism, loss, and high-stakes response, has captured the public’s attention, making it a story that resonates far beyond the borders of Idaho.