Tragedy in Idaho: Man Who Sparked Wildfire Fatally Shoots Two Firefighters After Parking Dispute
In a heartbreaking and shocking turn of events, two veteran firefighters were shot and killed—and a third critically wounded—after responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday. Authorities say the gunman was a 20-year-old transient who turned violent when firefighters asked him to move his parked vehicle.
A Simple Request Turns Deadly
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, the man—identified as Wess Roley—had started the fire using a flint. When firefighters arrived to contain the blaze, they asked Roley to relocate his vehicle. Instead, he opened fire.
“These firefighters were responding to protect the public,” Norris said during a press conference. “They never expected to come under attack.”
The confrontation forced first responders to take cover behind fire trucks. Authorities later discovered that Roley took his own life in the nearby mountains, his weapon found beside him.
The Fallen Heroes
The community is mourning the loss of two highly respected public servants:
- Frank Harwood, 42, a battalion chief with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, served 17 years and was an Army National Guard veteran. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
- John Morrison, 52, a battalion chief with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, had dedicated 28 years to the department.
A third firefighter, David Tysdal, 47, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition following two successful surgeries.
A City in Shock
“This is not Idaho,” said Governor Brad Little, who ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff in honor of the fallen. “We have never seen a heinous act of violence like this on our firefighters before.”
The outpouring of grief was swift. That same day, residents lined Interstate 90, waving American flags as the firefighters’ bodies were transported to Spokane for autopsy.
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Fire Chief Christopher Way said the department is shaken but focused on safety. Local police have since committed to accompany firefighters on calls until further notice.
“I don’t know that we can restore peace of mind right away,” Way said, “but we’re doing everything we can to protect our people.”
Who Was the Shooter?
Roley, described by authorities as a transient with past ties to California and Arizona, had been living in Idaho for much of 2024. He was reportedly living out of his vehicle near the mountain and had previously expressed interest in becoming a firefighter.
Though he had only minor interactions with local law enforcement, several warning signs emerged in recent months. A former roommate, T.J. Franks Jr., said Roley began exhibiting erratic behavior—shaving his head, acting paranoid, and even throwing gang signs at security cameras in their apartment.
Franks eventually called police out of concern, and said Roley appeared to be in a mental health decline.
“We just kind of noticed him starting to go downhill,” Franks recalled.
Tactical Response and Ongoing Fire Danger
After the shooting, law enforcement launched a large-scale manhunt. FBI teams used cellphone tracking to locate Roley while helicopters with snipers stood by, ready to neutralize the threat if necessary. A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents.
Roley was later found dead in the mountains, along with his firearm.
Meanwhile, the fire he started burned through about 26 acres before being mostly contained. Officials say the threat is under control, but some risk remains. “We’ve stopped significant forward progress,” said Fire Chief Way.
A Community Forever Changed
For the 55,000 residents of Coeur d’Alene, this tragedy cuts deep. A senseless act of violence has robbed two families of loved ones and shaken the trust in what is usually a routine act of public service.
“These firefighters ran toward danger—only to be met with a gun,” said Sheriff Norris. “It’s an unimaginable loss for our entire community.”
Source: AP News – Man shot Idaho firefighters who had asked him to move his vehicle, killing 2, sheriff says
