2 firefighters killed in Idaho after suspected gunman started fire as ambush, authorities say
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
An investigation is underway after authorities say a lone gunman started a fire and ambushed firefighters who responded to it in north-west Idaho on Sunday, allegedly shooting and killing two and seriously injuring another.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris told a news conference that the third firefighter was stable but "fighting for his life" in the Kootenai Health campus in Coeur d'Alene, about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington.
Details were scarce on what was described as a "heinous act" that has shocked the local community.
"We do believe...that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional," Norris said. "This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance."
Norris also said the unidentified suspect was found dead on Canfield Mountain with a gun nearby. Officers exchanged fire with the suspected gunman, though it's not clear if police killed him, and no clear motive has been established. The alleged shooter's body was removed from the scene.
Idaho State Police will investigate the exchange of gunfire, while the local coroner will examine the causes of death.
The two slain firefighters, who have not been identified, died on the way to the Kootenai Health campus in Coeur d'Alene, a hospital spokesperson said. One of the firefighters was from the Coeur D'Alene Fire Department, and one was from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, authorities said.
At 1:21 p.m. local time on Sunday, firefighters were called to reports of a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, near Coeur D'Alene in northwest Idaho. The fire reportedly grew to about 20 acres overnight. At 2 p.m., firefighters reported that they were under fire.
"June 29, 2025, is a day that we will not forget in this community. It is the day evil showed his face, and we lost two outstanding professionals of the highest quality," Bruce Mattare, chairman of the board of county commissioners in Kootenai County, told the news conference.
"And I cannot fathom why anyone would commit such a heinous act. This kind of senseless violence is unheard of here," he added.
Edward A. Kelly, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said on X that the two firefighters were killed by a sniper in what he called a "heinous act of violence."
Around 300 law enforcement officers, including local and federal forces, were involved in the operation to find the suspect, and a shelter-in-place order was issued locally amid fears that there may have been a second shooter at large. That order was lifted when police said there was only one shooter.
Emergency services took part in a procession of vehicles to honor the memory of the firefighters who were killed.
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Some people are really messed up. Wonder if we'll ever learn why
The suspect was found dead nearby.
maybe he was creating a job opening for himself ...
I sometimes think potential firefighters should undergo psych screening, same as cops. Firefighters tend to have a bit of firebug in them - they commit a lot of arson. At least, that's what firefighters tell me, and it seems to bear out in arson cases.
one of the 3 biggest forest fires in CO history was caused by a forest ranger burning her love letters, the other 2 were caused by controlled burns that got out of control ...
A few years ago, a large historic building in town was set on fire by a firefighter. It burned to the ground. He was caught within hours because a neighbor had a Ring camera, and he was foolish enough to wear an easily-identified jacket that showed up well on camera.
The building was owned by a woman who has disappeared, and whose daughter is in prison (I think she's still there, anyway) for embezzling from her. There was some question about whether the daughter and the firefighter were in cahoots, but it appears not. I believe the cops are sure she helped her mother disappear, but can't prove it.
I didn't realize it at the time, but the daughter used to be my next-door neighbor in the house I rented before I bought this one. I guess it's a good thing we stayed out of each other's business.
you never know, she may have had a bag of marshmallows at the ready back then ...
The snacks don't worry me. Her plans for fueling her bonfires do.
maybe she knows somebody with a portable sawmill ...
Shit. If I disappear, you know how that Dateline episode plays out.
I'll just have to ask my mom. she watches that stuff nonstop, ever since fucker carlson got the boot on FOX.
Can't speak to the US but here in Canada a psych eval is a requirement
It's not here in Virginia.
there would be an instant 95% turnover of LE in the south if it was ...
Suspects name is/was Wess Roley. 20 years old.
Photo of Wess Roley with his parents..
nice hats. go figure ...