Idaho Wildfire Attack: 2 Firefighters Killed, 1 Wounded in Ambush on Canfield Mountain

Strategic Insights -

A devastating attack unfolded on a northern Idaho mountain community Sunday as a man armed with a rifle started a wildfire and then began shooting at first responders, killing two firefighters and wounding a third. The suspect, later identified as Wess Roley, is believed to have acted alone and intentionally ambushed the firefighters, leaving them without a chance. The Idaho House Republican Leadership released a statement expressing horror and shock over the attack, saying they are praying for the victims, their families, and their colleagues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The suspect, Wess Roley, is believed to have started the wildfire and intentionally ambushed the firefighters, leaving them without a chance.
  • Two firefighters were killed on arrival at Kootenai Health, while a third was brought to the hospital and is in stable condition after surgery.
  • First responders came under heavy fire and made urgent calls for help, with one dispatch saying "Everybody's shot up here... send law enforcement now."
  • The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, and the Idaho House Republican Leadership has expressed their horror and shock over the attack.
  • The shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night, but the sheriff's office cautioned residents to be prepared as the fire was still burning.
  • Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area with heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails, making it prone to wildfires and difficult to access.

Statistics:

  • 2 firefighters were killed in the attack
  • 1 firefighter was wounded in the attack and is in stable condition after surgery
  • The suspect used a high-powered rifle in the attack
  • The fire was burning in a rugged terrain area with heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails
  • The shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night
  • The Idaho House Republican Leadership has comprised of 34 members as of the last public reporting.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press (AP)
  • Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
  • Idaho Governor's Office
  • Idaho House Republican Leadership
  • FBI
  • AP journalists Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska contributed to this report.