(DailyChive.com) – In a shocking act of premeditated violence, a 20-year-old gunman deliberately set a brushfire to lure firefighters into a deadly ambush on Canfield Mountain in Idaho, killing two first responders before being found dead by SWAT teams.
Key Takeaways
- Two firefighters were killed and one critically wounded after being ambushed while responding to a deliberately set brushfire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on June 29, 2025
- The 20-year-old suspect, identified only as Roley, was found dead on the mountain with a rifle nearby after an extensive SWAT operation
- Authorities confirmed the fire was intentionally set as a trap to lure first responders into the ambush
- The incident prompted a shelter-in-place order for eastern Coeur d’Alene that was lifted after the suspect was found dead
- Over 300 officers from multiple agencies, including the FBI, responded to the attack
Deadly Trap Set for First Responders
What began as a routine response to a brushfire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, quickly turned into a deadly ambush on June 29, 2025. At approximately 2:00 p.m. PDT, firefighters arriving at the scene in Nettleton Gulch came under heavy rifle fire from concealed positions in the dense terrain. The gunman, strategically positioned on the mountainside, opened fire with high-powered rifles approximately 30 minutes after the firefighters’ arrival, forcing them to retreat behind their vehicles as bullets rained down from multiple directions.
The calculated nature of the attack became immediately apparent to first responders and law enforcement. The brush fire, which would eventually grow to 26 acres, was deliberately set as bait in a carefully orchestrated trap. Two firefighters—one from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue—lost their lives in the ambush. A third firefighter from Coeur d’Alene sustained critical gunshot wounds and was rushed to emergency surgery.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
The attack triggered an immediate and massive law enforcement response. At 4:05 p.m., authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for eastern Coeur d’Alene and the Canfield Mountain Trailhead area as firefighting operations were suspended. Residents were warned to stay indoors and away from windows while tactical teams mobilized. Initial reports suggested the possibility of multiple shooters, adding to the tension and complexity of the response as officers took sniper fire from the mountainside.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that over 300 officers from multiple agencies, including FBI and Spokane (WA) units, secured the perimeter and began methodically searching the rugged terrain. SWAT teams, equipped with armored vehicles and tactical gear, conducted a careful sweep of the mountain under the constant threat of additional gunfire. The operation represented one of the largest law enforcement mobilizations in the region’s recent history.
Suspect Found Dead
By 7:40 p.m., approximately six hours after the initial attack, SWAT team members located the body of the suspect on the mountain. The 20-year-old local resident, identified only by the surname Roley, was found deceased with a rifle near his body. Authorities have not specified whether he died by suicide or other means. The shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly after the discovery, allowing residents to emerge from a terrifying afternoon of uncertainty.
Sheriff Norris later confirmed that evidence indicated the suspect had acted alone, despite initial concerns about multiple shooters. Investigators revealed that Roley had no prior criminal record, deepening the mystery surrounding his motives. The calculated nature of the attack—setting a fire specifically to draw first responders into a kill zone—suggested significant premeditation and planning rather than a spontaneous act of violence.
Community in Mourning
The tight-knit community of Coeur d’Alene, a scenic city of approximately 55,000 residents in northern Idaho, has been left reeling from the attack. Idaho Governor Brad Little issued a statement condemning what he described as a “heinous direct assault” on emergency responders. Flags across the state were ordered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the fallen firefighters, whose identities were initially withheld pending family notifications.
“This deliberate targeting of the brave men and women who run toward danger to protect our communities represents an attack on the very fabric of civilized society,” said Governor Little in his official statement. “The state of Idaho stands ready to provide any resources necessary to support the investigation and the affected families during this unimaginable tragedy.”
Unanswered Questions
As the investigation continues, numerous questions remain unanswered about the shooter’s background, preparation, and motivation. Law enforcement officials have been tight-lipped about specific details, citing the ongoing investigation. The FBI has joined local authorities in examining Roley’s digital footprint, social connections, and any potential ideological motivations that might have driven such a targeted attack against first responders.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on emergency personnel in recent U.S. history. The deliberate targeting of firefighters—professionals dedicated to saving lives and property—has struck a particularly painful chord across the nation’s first responder community. Fire departments across the country have expressed solidarity with their fallen colleagues in Coeur d’Alene, with many sending representatives to attend memorial services.
Firefighting Operations Resume
With the threat neutralized, firefighting operations resumed on the mountain late on June 29. By June 30, crews were working to contain the 26-acre blaze that had been the initial lure in the deadly trap. The fire itself, while significant, caused no structural damage or additional casualties. However, it will forever be associated with the tragic loss of two dedicated public servants who answered the call to protect their community.
This horrific incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by first responders. While firefighters routinely prepare for the inherent risks of battling blazes, the deliberate targeting of these public servants represents a disturbing escalation that has sent shockwaves through emergency service agencies nationwide. As the investigation progresses, authorities hope to gain insights that might help prevent similar attacks in the future.
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