A horrific tragedy unfolded in the peaceful wilderness of northwest Idaho on Sunday afternoon, as two experienced firefighters—Frank Harwood and John Morrison—were gunned down in an ambush while responding to a wildfire. The attack occurred in the Canfield Mountain area near Coeur d’Alene, a region known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.
What began as a routine emergency call soon turned into one of the darkest days in Idaho’s firefighting history. As details continue to emerge, authorities have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the alleged perpetrator, believed to have set the fire intentionally to lure first responders into a deadly trap.
This act of violence has sent shockwaves through the local community and the nation, leaving many to question how such a calculated and senseless act could have taken place. In the wake of the tragedy, tributes have poured in for the fallen heroes, while investigators try to piece together the motive behind this heinous crime.
The following is a comprehensive breakdown of what happened, who the victims and suspect were, and the implications this incident has for firefighter safety and public response to emergency situations.
What Happened on Canfield Mountain
The events began to unfold around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday when authorities received a report of a wildfire breaking out on Canfield Mountain. This area, located northeast of Coeur d’Alene, is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife exploration. Due to its terrain and high forest density, it is occasionally prone to wildfires, although such incidents are rare in the specific area where the fire broke out.
Fire crews were promptly dispatched to contain the fire. Among them were seasoned battalion chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, who had decades of combined experience in battling such emergencies. However, within just 40 minutes of their arrival, chaos erupted. A frantic radio call was sent out by the firefighters, reporting that someone was shooting at them. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, the gunman had climbed a tree, armed with a shotgun, and opened fire on the unsuspecting crew members below.
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Initially, there was a verbal interaction between the shooter and the firefighters, but the situation quickly escalated. When gunfire erupted, two of the firefighters—Harwood and Morrison—were fatally struck. A third firefighter, Dave Tysdal, sustained critical injuries and was rushed for emergency medical treatment, undergoing two surgeries by Monday.
Following the shooting, a massive law enforcement response was triggered. More than 300 officers, including federal agents from the FBI, converged on the site. Using cell phone signal triangulation, they were able to locate the shooter’s body later that evening. The suspect, believed to have died by suicide, was found with a firearm near his body. Due to the fire rapidly spreading, the authorities moved the body quickly for safety and forensic purposes.
Who Were the Victims and the Suspect
The firefighting community in Idaho is mourning the loss of two of its most respected members. Frank Harwood, aged 42, served as a battalion chief at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A dedicated public servant, he was also a combat engineer in the Army National Guard. He leaves behind a wife and two children, and was known among colleagues for his calm leadership and tireless dedication to duty.
John Morrison, aged 52, was another highly esteemed battalion chief, working with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department. Having started his career in 1996, Morrison brought nearly three decades of experience to the field. He was described by fellow firefighters as a mentor and role model, someone who had devoted his life to protecting the lives and properties of others.
The third victim, Dave Tysdal, age 47, remains in critical condition but is receiving ongoing care. His survival is a focus of hope amid the tragedy.
The shooter has been identified as Wess Roley, a 20-year-old resident of Coeur d’Alene. Roley had reportedly moved to Idaho recently and was working for a local tree company. Interestingly, his grandfather mentioned that he had once expressed interest in becoming a forest firefighter. While Roley had no criminal record, police had interacted with him in the past over five minor incidents, including welfare checks and trespassing.
Authorities are still investigating his motive, and no clear reason has emerged yet for the attack. Given the tactical nature of the ambush—climbing a tree, selecting a high vantage point, setting a fire as bait—it appears to have been premeditated. Sheriff Norris confirmed the belief that Roley acted alone, and there is currently no evidence linking him to any larger group or ideology.
The Bigger Picture: Arson, Ambush, and Aftermath
This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and vulnerability of first responders. Firefighters are trained to run toward danger—to suppress wildfires, rescue people from burning buildings, and respond to hazardous conditions. However, the idea that someone might deliberately create a disaster to ambush them is almost unfathomable.
Police suspect that the wildfire was intentionally set by Roley to draw fire crews into an isolated, wooded area, where he could then attack. Canfield Mountain, although popular with outdoor enthusiasts, is remote enough that such a plan could be executed with minimal interference. The choice of a shotgun and elevated position speaks to the calculated nature of the attack.
Arson as a tool of violence is not new, but its use in this way—specifically to target emergency personnel—is both rare and deeply troubling. Firefighters are often among the most trusted public servants, admired for their bravery and selflessness. That they would become the targets of such violence adds another layer of trauma for both their families and the broader community.
The local reaction has been one of shock, sorrow, and unity. Memorials have been held for Harwood and Morrison, and support for Tysdal continues to pour in. Flags have been lowered to half-staff, and tributes from both local citizens and national organizations have honored the fallen.
Meanwhile, the law enforcement community is reevaluating protocols for emergency response, especially in remote areas. Sheriff Norris and others are calling for better coordination between fire departments and police in situations where there may be a potential for violence.
A Community Forever Changed
Coeur d’Alene, often described as a tranquil mountain town with a close-knit population, has been deeply affected. Known for its lake, forests, and access to natural beauty, the area prides itself on its sense of community and mutual trust. This tragic incident has shaken that sense of safety.
Northwest Idaho, with its rugged terrain and vast wilderness, draws thousands each year for camping, fishing, hiking, and other recreational pursuits. It is a place where people often move to escape the pressures of urban life. That such a horrifying event could happen in this setting only underscores the unpredictability of violence in today’s world.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered: What drove Wess Roley to such an act? Was it mental illness, personal grievance, or something else entirely? How can first responders be protected from similar threats in the future? These are questions that demand answers, not just for justice, but for the peace of mind of every firefighter, police officer, and emergency responder who risks their life in service of others.
In memory of Frank Harwood and John Morrison, their names will be etched not only on plaques and memorials but in the hearts of all who value courage, commitment, and sacrifice. Their final act—rushing into a wildfire to protect others—epitomizes the best of humanity. They didn’t expect an ambush. But they did what they were trained to do: show up, act fast, and protect their community.
And that, even in the face of such an unspeakable act of violence, is what will continue to define them—not how they died, but how they lived.