Washington state under state of emergency as aggressive wildfires force evacuations
Fast-moving wildfires are tearing through Spokane County, Washington, prompting evacuation orders for thousands as bone-dry conditions and strong winds push several dangerous blazes across the region. Gov. Jay Inslee has declared a state of emergency, and the National Guard has been sent in to support overwhelmed local fire crews. Fire scientist Joaquin Ramirez is also weighing in on the extreme weather pattern driving critical wildfire risk across the Northwest.
With firefighters racing to contain flames that have already destroyed hundreds of buildings and displaced thousands near Spokane, a well-known wildfire survivor is calling on families nationwide to take emergency planning seriously.
Spencer Pratt, the former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and reality television personality whose Pacific Palisades home burned in the 2025 Palisades Fire, said the destruction now unfolding in eastern Washington should serve as a wake-up call far beyond the fire zone.
“My deepest sympathies to the folks in Spokane who just lost everything in an instant,” Pratt wrote Sunday in an extended post on social media. “Nothing can really prepare you for this devastation.”
Pratt, who has repeatedly spoken about the emotional strain and financial hardship that followed the loss of his own home, cautioned that no community should believe it is completely protected from a similar disaster.
Former reality television star Spencer Pratt, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, has been an outspoken critic of California leaders over their management of the wildfire recovery efforts. (MEGA/GC Images)
“And everyone else, take heed… this is coming for you, too,” he wrote. “Don’t wait til the fire is at your patio door.”
He urged households to map out evacuation routes, gather essential documents and make decisions in advance, warning that wind-driven wildfires can move so rapidly that waiting until the last moment may leave families with few safe options.
“Have a plan. Don’t expect government to be there to save your home,” Pratt wrote. “Don’t expect the fire to wait until you’re at home and awake and ready… think about what happens when the fire comes at 2AM dead asleep, or when you’re at work downtown, or 3 beers in on a river float 20 miles from home and your cats are all locked inside. You seldom get a real warning before the fire comes.”
Pratt also reflected on the heartbreaking losses families face beyond their homes.
“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.
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The charred remains of a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire is seen in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on January 13, 2025. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
He encouraged neighbors to support one another through what he predicted would be a lengthy recovery.
“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 wrote.
Pratt concluded his message by encouraging those affected to lean on their faith.
“Above all else, if I can offer any advice right now… lean further into God,” he wrote. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Have faith in His providence, even if your heart feels too broken to accept it right now.”
Amid the devastation, former Washington state Rep. Matt Shea shared a photo of an American flag still standing after flames swept through a neighborhood, calling it “an amazing picture of hope among the ashes.”
“Some friends of ours lost everything… but Old Glory still survives,” Shea wrote on X. “What an amazing picture of hope among the ashes. Thank you all for praying for us.”
Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson also shared a message of support on X, writing, “Praying for Spokane!”
As messages of support poured in, firefighters continued battling three major blazes being managed as part of the Spokane-area wildfire response.
According to Incident Commander Benjamin Cossel with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Autumn Lane Fire has burned 3,333 acres, the Old Trail Fire has scorched 3,481 acres, and the Fairview Fire has grown to 914 acres. All three fires remained 0% contained as of the latest update.
More than 900 firefighters and support personnel have been deployed across the three fires, with the Autumn Lane Fire remaining the primary focus.
An otherworldly scene in Spokane, Washington, as wildfires rage on Aug. 2, 2026. (South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue)
Authorities said approximately 5,000 homes have been evacuated as firefighters continue battling the blazes. Incident command has confirmed more than 600 structures have been destroyed, though officials cautioned that number could rise as crews gain access to damaged areas.
The American Red Cross Northwest Region said more than 400 people and their pets spent Saturday night at an emergency shelter in Spokane after the fast-moving wildfires forced widespread evacuations.
Firefighters respond to wildfire near Spokane, Washington, on Aug. 2, 2026. (South Pend Oreille Fire Rescue / FOX Weather)
“Extreme weather conditions led three separate wildfires to wreak havoc on Saturday, forcing widespread evacuations, causing extensive destruction, and forever changing the lives of those affected,” the Red Cross said, adding that it has launched a “massive relief effort” and is seeking donations and volunteers to assist displaced residents.
Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., said he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the fire situation and potential federal assistance.
“After Gov. Ferguson requests emergency assistance he will take the official request for FEMA support to President Trump,” Baumgartner wrote on X, adding that he appreciated Mullin’s “care and concern for what our community is experiencing.”
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson later said he spoke directly with President Donald Trump and Mullin, describing the devastation unfolding in Spokane and elsewhere across the state.
“Just a few minutes ago, I spoke with President Trump and Secretary Mullin. I detailed how dire and devastating the situation is in Spokane and across our state,” Ferguson wrote on X.
Ferguson said Trump “expressed his concern for the people of Washington during this difficult time” and that the two would “be working together on additional requests for federal assistance.”
“I deeply appreciate the President taking time to have this conversation, and I am optimistic we will receive a quick approval for our request for a federal emergency declaration,” Ferguson wrote.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said she also spoke with Mullin and said the federal government is closely tracking the disaster.
“He made clear the federal government will do everything it can to support response and recovery—that is my top priority right now and I deeply appreciate that commitment,” Murray wrote on X.
Calling the destruction “heartbreaking,” Murray said “it will be a long road to recovery.”
“Right now, EVERYONE needs to listen carefully to local officials,” she wrote. “I am so grateful to our fire crews and first responders who are saving lives, including our WA National Guard, servicemembers from Fairchild, and the many individuals coming from out of state to fight these fires.”
Heavy smoke blankets the Spokane area as firefighters battle several fast-moving wildfires that have forced thousands of evacuations and prompted a massive emergency response. (Spokane Valley Fire Department)
As the response continued, the Spokane County Board of Commissioners unanimously declared a state of emergency, giving county officials additional authority to quickly purchase emergency equipment and supplies.
“My heart goes out to those who have been affected by these devastating fires and my prayers are with the first responders who will continue working through the night and into tomorrow,” Spokane County Commissioner Mary Brooks said.
Officials also urged people to stay away from lakes, rivers and other waterways where firefighting aircraft are collecting water to battle the blazes.
Emergency officials warned boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders and others on the water to give aircraft plenty of space as they make frequent low-level passes, saying doing so is critical to keeping both crews and the public safe while allowing firefighters to continue protecting threatened communities.
