BOISE, Idaho โ A tragic event unfolded in Idaho when a pair of firefighters lost their lives, and another was severely injured in a shooting while they were responding to a wildfire near Coeur dโAlene. The shocking incident has left the community and authorities in distress as investigations continue into Sundayโs attack.
**The Start of the Tragedy**
The unfortunate series of events began at Canfield Mountain, an area well-known for its hiking and biking trails. Firefighters had been responding to a report of a brush fire when a confrontation with a man turned deadly. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris explained that the shooting started after firefighters approached the individual to request that he move his vehicle.
**A Chaotic Scene**
The hours that followed were marked by chaos and uncertainty. While it remained unclear if any hikers were trapped on the mountain or if other civilians were harmed, the risk to the firefighters and law enforcement officers was very apparent. An afternoon news conference by Norris conveyed the ongoing dangers, stating that law enforcement was under sniper fire at the time.
**Casualties and Identification**
Later, Kootenai Health officials confirmed the grim news: three firefighters were transported to the hospital. Sadly, two had already succumbed to their injuries before arrival. Among the departed were Kootenai County Fire Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, aged 42, with a 17-year service record, as stated by County Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Way. Also killed was Battalion Chief John Morrison, aged 52, who served for 28 years with the Coeur dโAlene Fire Department. David Tysdal, a department engineer, currently hospitalized in critical condition, had undergone two surgeries.
**Tracking Down the Suspect**
In their pursuit of the shooter within an extensive 17,000 square feet containment zone, law enforcement utilized cellphone data. Around 3:15 p.m., they identified a signal that had been stationary for some time. A tactical team discovered a deceased man nearby, with a weapon, leading authorities to conclude that he was likely the shooter who had taken his own life. Investigators believe he acted alone.
**Suspectโs Background**
While the suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, little is known about him due to the anonymity of official sources discussing the ongoing investigation. Initially from California and Arizona, he had resided in Idaho recently, spending time with relatives in the Priest River vicinity, potentially living out of his vehicle. A former roommate, T.J. Franks Jr., recounted troubling behaviors, including gang signs and erratic actions noted prior to the incident.
**Challenges in Managing the Scene**
The ongoing brush fire added further complications to the crime scene, with authorities needing to remove the suspectโs body quickly to prevent it from getting consumed by the flames. The sheriff announced that a thorough search and investigation continued with crews stationed around the area to secure any other unexploded weapons.
**Honoring the Fallen Heroes**
In a solemn tribute, the firefighters were honored in a procession from the hospital in Coeur dโAlene to Spokane, Washington. Idaho Governor Brad Little decreed that U.S. and Idaho state flags be flown at half-staff until the day post the memorial service. Governor Little expressed sorrow over the devastating loss from such unprecedented violence against firefighters, emphasizing that such acts are not characteristic of Idaho.