Latest news with #KootenaiHealth
1News
01-07-2025
- 1News
Man who shot Idaho firefighters, killing 2, was asked to move vehicle
A man who set a wildfire and then fatally shot two firefighters and wounded another in northern Idaho was a 20-year-old transient who attacked the first responders after they asked him to move his vehicle, a sheriff said. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris offered new details about the Monday ambush at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene, a popular recreation area. He said Wess Roley was living out of his vehicle, had once aspired to be a firefighter and had only a handful of minor contacts with area police. 'We have not been able to find a manifesto,' the sheriff said, adding a motive was still unknown. Norris said families of the victims were 'in shock — absolutely. They're in shock and they're still processing it'. Law enforcement and emergency responders at Cherry Hill Park off 15th Street on Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025. (Source: Associated Press) ADVERTISEMENT Roley had set a fire using flint, and the firefighters who rushed to the scene instead found themselves in an unexpected shootout. They took cover behind fire trucks, but two died and a third was wounded during a barrage of gunfire over several hours. Roley later killed himself, Norris said. 'We know that he was a transient here,' the sheriff said. 'We know he lived here for the better part of 2024. But as far as when he got here, why he was here, why he chose this place — I don't know.' Two helicopters converged on the area, armed with snipers ready to take out the suspect if needed, while the FBI used his cellphone data to track him, and the sheriff ordered residents to shelter in place. They eventually found Roley dead in the mountains, his firearm beside him. A procession from Kootenai Health heads to the medical examiner's office in Spokane after firefighters were killed when they were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. (Source: Associated Press) Roley's grandfather, Dale Roley, told KXLY-TV that his grandson was an avid hiker who worked for a tree company and was interested in forestry. Outpouring of support for the victims was swift in Coeur d'Alene, a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. ADVERTISEMENT Hours after the ambush, people gathered along Interstate 90 holding American flags to pay their respects as the two fallen firefighters' bodies were taken to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Washington, about 56km from Coeur d'Alene. Governor Brad Little ordered US and Idaho state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honour the firefighters until the day after their memorial service. A firefighter with the United States Forest Service prepares gear at a staging area near the scene the day after a shooter ambushed and killed multiple firefighters responding to a wildfire at Canfield Mountain (Source: Associated Press) 'All our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, bravely confront danger on a daily basis, but we have never seen a heinous act of violence like this on our firefighters before,' he said in a statement. 'This is not Idaho. This indescribable loss is felt deeply by all those in the firefighting community and beyond.' The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: 'We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d'Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.' Although the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff's office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning. Firefighters were still battling the blaze Tuesday, a task made difficult because it was burning in steep terrain, which limited the use of heavy equipment, the Idaho Department of Lands said in a news release. It had burned about 10.5 hectares. Fire was always a concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abutted the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge on Monday, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding. ADVERTISEMENT When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realised why he wasn't seeing aircraft: 'Because they're concerned about being shot at,' he said.
Toronto Sun
30-06-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Man lured Idaho firefighters to a mountain with a fire then shot and killed 2: Officials
Published Jun 30, 2025 • 3 minute read A procession from Kootenai Health headed to Spokane after a few firefighters were killed Sunday, June 29, 2025, when they were ambushed by sniper fire while responding to a blaze in a northern Idaho mountain community, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Photo by Bill Buley / AP BOISE, Idaho (AP) — As a wildfire began to sow panic in a small northern Idaho mountain community, a group of firefighters who rushed put out the blaze instead found themselves in an unexpected shootout. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A man who had intentionally set the fire to ambush the crew on Sunday was perched in a sniper position, firing at the firefighters. They took cover behind firetrucks, but two died and a third was wounded during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. First responders made urgent calls for help on their radios at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene: 'Everybody's shot up here … send law enforcement now,' according to one dispatch. Two helicopters converged on the area, armed with snipers ready to take out the suspect if needed, while the FBI used his cellphone data to track him and the sheriff ordered residents to shelter in place. They eventually found the suspect dead in the mountains, his firearm beside him. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It is unknown how he died, and authorities have not yet revealed a motive. The suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,' Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' The wounded firefighter was 'fighting for his life' after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said. Law enforcement and emergency responders at Cherry Hill Park off 15th Street on Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025, following reports of an ambush shooting attack on Canfield Mountain, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Photo by Bill Buley / AP 'When you have an environment where you don't know where the bullets are coming from because of the trees and the shrubbery and what have you, it is daunting for police officers, let alone firefighters,' Norris said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Outpouring of support was swift in Coeur d'Alene, a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Hours after the ambush, people gathered along Interstate 90 holding American flags to pay their respects as the two fallen firefighters' bodies were taken to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Washington, about 35 miles (56 kilometres) from Coeur d'Alene. Gov. Brad Little on Monday ordered U.S. and Idaho state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor the firefighters until the day after their memorial service. 'All our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, bravely confront danger on a daily basis but we have never seen a heinous act of violence like this on our firefighters before,' he said in a statement. 'This is not Idaho. This indescribable loss is felt deeply by all those in the firefighting community and beyond.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: 'We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d'Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.' Though the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff's office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning. The status of the fire was not immediately known Monday morning. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the outskirts of Coeur d'Alene, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails that lead into a national forest. Fire is always a concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abuts the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge Sunday afternoon, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding. When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realized why he wasn't seeing aircraft: 'Because they're concerned about being shot at,' he said. As deputies set up posts nearby, Deming pointed them to a trail that starts near his backdoor and leads directly to the site of the fire. 'I just don't want to have to wake up in the middle of the night to figure if somebody's out prowling around my place,' he said. World World Toronto Maple Leafs Canada World
Global News
30-06-2025
- Global News
Suspected gunman found dead after Idaho firefighters shot, killed in ambush
Authorities say two firefighters were killed and another was badly injured after they were ambushed and shot while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, on Sunday. A man who allegedly shot at the firefighters responding to the wildfire — and who is suspected of starting the fire to lure the firefighters to the scene — has since been found dead. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said firefighters responded to an early afternoon report of a brush fire at Canfield Mountain, a popular and scenic hiking and biking area near the outskirts of town. Once firefighters arrived, someone began shooting at them, according to authorities. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,' Norris said. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' Story continues below advertisement Around 300 law enforcement officials locked down the neighbourhoods near the hiking area while they were trying to locate the shooter in the hilly terrain covered with thick brush, trees and smoke from the fire. During the search for the shooter, law enforcement remained unsure about the danger they faced as they continued their search. 'We don't know how many suspects are up there, and we don't know how many casualties there are,' Norris told reporters at a Sunday afternoon news conference. 'We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.' A spokesperson with Kootenai Health later confirmed that three patients were transported to the hospital; two were dead by the time they arrived and a third was injured. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The deceased were identified as a firefighter from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and one from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The third badly injured firefighter made it through surgery and was 'fighting for his life,' Norris said on Sunday night. Authorities used cellphone data to narrow their search and identified a cell signal around 3:15 p.m. after noticing it had not changed location for some time. Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back. Story continues below advertisement A tactical response team went to the location and found a deceased man with a weapon nearby. Officials believe the man was the shooter, the sheriff said. 'We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,' Norris said. The sheriff also said the fire was burning close to the body of the suspect and authorities had to 'scoop the body up' before it was engulfed in flames. Kootenia County Emergency Management said on Facebook that despite the suspected gunman being found, residents in the surrounding area should remain 'prepared' as further action may be necessary due to the ongoing fire. Crews were stationed around the area overnight and the sheriff said the investigation would continue into Monday. Norris said investigators believe that once they are able to fully search the area, they may find more weapons placed by the suspect. The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said. The names of the firefighters killed in the fatal ambush have not been released, nor has the name of the suspect. A procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles accompanied the bodies of the fallen firefighters as they were taken from the hospital in Coeur d'Alene to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Wash., a neighbouring city just across the state line. A smattering of spectators lined the route, some waving American flags. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen A procession from Kootenai Health headed to Spokane after a few firefighters were killed Sunday, June 29, 2025. Bill Buley/Coeur D'Alene Press via AP Idaho Gov. Brad Little called the firefighters 'heroic' in their response to the fire. 'This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,' Little wrote. Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this… — Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) June 29, 2025 Story continues below advertisement — With files from The Associated Press
Hamilton Spectator
30-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Gunman started fire, then fatally shot 2 firefighters in ambush attack, Idaho officials say
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cellphone data to 'hone in' on a wooded area where they found the suspect's body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. Investigators said he acted alone. The suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,' Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' Sheriff's officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and gunshots were reported about a half hour later. Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson said. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was 'fighting for his life' after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said. The scene was sheer pandemonium as the brush fire burned and firefighters rushed to the scene only to come under heavy fire. First responders made urgent calls for help on their radios: 'Everybody's shot up here ... send law enforcement now,' according to one dispatch. Idaho Gov. Brad Little said 'multiple' firefighting personnel were attacked. 'This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,' Little said on X. 'I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.' Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back. An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) north of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Though the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff's office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning. The status of the fire was not immediately known Monday morning. The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said. The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: 'We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d'Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.' Coeur d'Alene is a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the city's outskirts, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails that lead into a national forest. Fire is always a big concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abuts the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge Sunday afternoon, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding. When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realized why he wasn't seeing aircraft: 'Because they're concerned about being shot at,' he said. As deputies set up posts nearby, Deming pointed them to a trail that starts near his backdoor and leads directly to the site of the fire. 'I just don't want to have to wake up in the middle of the night to figure if somebody's out prowling around my place,' he said. ___ Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington; Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; contributed to this report. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Gunman started fire, then fatally shot 2 firefighters in ambush attack, Idaho officials say
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire and then began shooting at first responders in a northern Idaho mountain community, killing two firefighters and wounding a third during a barrage of gunfire over several hours, authorities said. A shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday night after a tactical response team used cellphone data to 'hone in' on a wooded area where they found the suspect's body with a firearm nearby as flames rapidly approached, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. Investigators said he acted alone. The suspect has been identified as Wess Roley, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation. 'We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,' Norris said at a Sunday night news conference. 'These firefighters did not have a chance.' Sheriff's officials said crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d'Alene around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and gunshots were reported about a half hour later. Three victims were brought to Kootenai Health, hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson said. Two were dead on arrival and the third was being treated for injuries, Anderson said. The wounded firefighter was 'fighting for his life' after surgery and was in stable condition, Norris said. The scene was sheer pandemonium as the brush fire burned and firefighters rushed to the scene only to come under heavy fire. First responders made urgent calls for help on their radios: 'Everybody's shot up here … send law enforcement now,' according to one dispatch. Idaho Gov. Brad Little said 'multiple' firefighting personnel were attacked. 'This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,' Little said on X. 'I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.' Norris said it appeared the sniper was hiding in the rugged terrain and using a high-powered rifle. He said he instructed deputies to fire back. An alert by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office asked people to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) north of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Though the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the sheriff's office cautioned residents to be prepared because the fire was still burning. The status of the fire was not immediately known Monday morning. The FBI responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support, Deputy Director Dan Bongino said. The Idaho House Republican Leadership said in a statement: 'We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d'Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders. We are praying for them, the injured, their families and their colleagues.' Coeur d'Alene is a city of 55,000 residents near the border with Washington. Canfield Mountain is a popular hiking and biking area on the city's outskirts, covered with trees and heavy brush and crisscrossed with trails that lead into a national forest. Fire is always a big concern for the region, said Bruce Deming, whose property abuts the trail system. When he noticed smoke on the ridge Sunday afternoon, he wondered why no firefighting helicopters were responding. When a friend texted to tell him about the shooting, he realized why he wasn't seeing aircraft: 'Because they're concerned about being shot at,' he said. As deputies set up posts nearby, Deming pointed them to a trail that starts near his backdoor and leads directly to the site of the fire. 'I just don't want to have to wake up in the middle of the night to figure if somebody's out prowling around my place,' he said. ___ Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington; Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; contributed to this report.
