A tragic incident shook Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when a man set a wildfire and then shot two firefighters, fatally injuring them and wounding another. The 20-year-old transient, Wess Roley, turned violent when the firefighters requested him to move his vehicle at Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene, a renowned recreation spot.
The Unfolding Tragedy
Sheriff Bob Norris revealed that Roley, living out of his vehicle and aspiring to be a firefighter, unexpectedly attacked the responders. Despite a few minor encounters with the police, Roley’s motive remains unknown as no manifesto was found.
The families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the shocking loss. The situation escalated when Roley initiated a shootout using flint, leading to the tragic demise of two firefighters and injuries to a third during a prolonged gunfire exchange.
Roley later took his own life, leaving behind unanswered questions about his presence in the area and the choice of his violent actions.
Community Support and Mourning
The community’s response was swift and supportive, with people lining Interstate 90 with American flags to honor the fallen firefighters as their bodies were transported to Spokane, Washington, for examination.
Governor Brad Little ordered flags at half-staff to pay tribute to the firefighters until after their memorial service, acknowledging the unprecedented violence faced by the firefighting community.
The Idaho House Republican Leadership condemned the attack, expressing horror at the vicious assault on first responders and extending prayers for the victims, their families, and colleagues.
Continued Battle and Vigilance
While the shelter order was lifted, residents were cautioned about the ongoing fire, which firefighters continued to combat in challenging terrain. The blaze, spanning 26 acres, posed difficulties due to the steep landscape limiting heavy equipment use.
Local resident Bruce Deming highlighted the perpetual fire risk in the region, noting the immediate concerns of firefighting aircraft being targeted during the incident.
The tragic events in Coeur d’Alene serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by first responders and the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
