Wildfires have ravaged Spokane County, Washington, prompting the evacuation of thousands due to dry and windy conditions exacerbating multiple fierce blazes. Governor Jay Inslee has issued a state of emergency, and the National Guard has been deployed to aid local firefighting efforts. Fire scientist Joaquin Ramirez has provided analysis on the extreme weather outlook increasing fire dangers in the Northwest.
Amidst the intense firefights, one individual who has survived a wildfire in the past is calling for Americans to prepare before disaster strikes. Spencer Pratt, a former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and reality TV personality who lost his home in the 2025 Palisades Fire, expressed his sympathies for those in Spokane who have lost much in an instant. In a social media post, he emphasized that communities must not consider themselves immune to such disasters.
My deepest sympathies to the folks in Spokane who just lost everything in an instant,
Pratt wrote. He highlighted the emotional and financial burden of such losses, urging communities to have an evacuation plan ready before disaster hits.
Pratt recounted the importance of having a plan due to the rapid nature of wildfires, advising against relying solely on government assistance.Don’t wait til the fire is at your patio door,
he stressed, suggesting families consider scenarios like fires occurring at inconvenient times when quick decisions are necessary.
Pratt empathized with the grief over personal losses beyond homes, including pets, which he equated to losing family members.As of now, I’ve not seen any reports of fatalities, thank God, and I pray there were none, but a lot of beloved pets undoubtedly perished, and for many, that’s like losing family,
he wrote.
He encouraged people to support one another, acknowledging the long recovery period ahead.Please look after your neighbors; they have a very long and painful road ahead, and everyone will move on from caring about Spokane in a week or so,
Pratt said. He concluded by advising those affected to find solace in their faith.
Former Washington state Rep. Matt Shea shared an image of an American flag standing amidst ashes, calling itan amazing picture of hope among the ashes.
His sentiment was echoed by former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who expressed his support on social media.
Firefighters continue to battle against significant blazes managed within the Spokane wildfire response. Incident Commander Benjamin Cossel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the Autumn Lane Fire, Old Trail Fire, and Fairview Fire covered thousands of acres each but remained uncontained. Over 900 firefighting personnel have been mobilized, with the Autumn Lane Fire as a primary focus.
More than 5,000 homes faced evacuation orders, while officials confirmed that over 600 structures were destroyed. The Red Cross Northwest Region reported sheltering over 400 affected individuals and their pets, launching a massive relief effort seeking additional support.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin received communication from Rep. Michael Baumgartner about federal assistance. Baumgartner shared his conversation with Mullin on X, emphasizing care for their community.
Governor Bob Ferguson, after speaking with President Trump and Mullin, conveyed that President Trump expressed concern for Washington’s residents during these troubling times, anticipating a swift response to their emergency request.
Senator Patty Murray also highlighted discussions with Mullin and stressed the importance of federal support in the response and recovery process. She urged the community to heed local officials’ instructions and expressed gratitude to first responders and firefighting crews.
The Spokane County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency, enhancing their ability to quickly acquire necessary supplies and equipment for managing the crises. Commissioner Mary Brooks extended prayers for those affected and the first responders working tirelessly.
Officials have warned the public to avoid local water bodies used by firefighting aircraft to gather water, underscoring the importance of safety in these efforts.