COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for the deadly sniper ambush on Canfield Mountain as Wess Roley, following an hours-long active shooter situation that claimed the lives of two firefighters and left a third critically injured.

Roley, whose body was discovered Sunday evening near a firearm, is believed to have set a brush fire in the rugged, forested terrain outside Coeur d’Alene with the intent to lure firefighters into a deadly trap.

The ambush unfolded shortly after fire crews arrived to contain the blaze, resulting in chaos, confusion, and heavy gunfire exchanged over several hours.

At approximately 1:21 p.m., emergency services responded to reports of a wildfire on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area located roughly four miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Around 30 minutes later, first responders came under fire. Two firefighters — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue — were fatally shot while assessing the scene.

A third firefighter was struck and airlifted for emergency surgery. He is now reported to be in stable condition.

Scanner audio captured during the incident revealed the panic on the ground:

“Send law enforcement right now! There’s an active shooter zone,” one firefighter could be heard shouting.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated during a press briefing that Roley appeared to act alone, based on recovered weapons and bullet trajectories. He confirmed the shelter-in-place order has now been lifted, and there is no further threat to the community.

“This was a total ambush,” Sheriff Norris said. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Law enforcement returned fire throughout the afternoon. By 4:30 p.m., Norris authorized officers and deployed snipers in two helicopters with the directive to use deadly force if they had a clear shot. It remains unclear whether Roley was killed by law enforcement or died by suicide.

“I was hoping someone would have a clear shot to neutralize him,” the sheriff said.

According to Norris, it is likely the suspect was moving on foot as he fired from different positions, contributing to initial fears that more than one shooter might have been involved.

The suspect’s motive remains unknown, and Sheriff Norris said further investigation is underway. Officials expect to recover additional firearms or equipment from the scene.

The FBI responded with technical teams and tactical support, and state and federal agencies remain active in the area. According to Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the situation remains “active and very dangerous.”

Idaho Governor Brad Little called the incident a “heinous, direct assault” on public servants.

“Multiple firefighters were attacked in a cowardly act of violence,” he posted on X. “I ask all Idahoans to join me in prayer for them and their families.”

Sheriff Norris confirmed that the Canfield Mountain wildfire remains active, though response efforts were temporarily suspended due to the risk posed by gunfire.

Firefighting personnel are expected to resume suppression efforts now that the immediate threat has been neutralized.

“It’s going to keep burning,” Norris said. “We can’t put any resources on it right now until we’re confident the area is safe.”

Canfield Mountain, located just northeast of Coeur d’Alene, is a densely wooded recreational area frequented by hikers and bikers.

The ambush has shocked the community and drawn national attention to the vulnerability of emergency responders in hostile situations.

The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released pending family notification. Support services are being coordinated for their families, colleagues, and all first responders affected by the day’s events.

This remains a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.