Reality television personality and wildfire survivor Spencer Pratt is urging Americans to prepare for disasters before they strike as crews battle three major wildfires in the Spokane, Washington, area that have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced thousands of residents to evacuate.
Pratt, whose Pacific Palisades home was destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire, posted a lengthy message on social media Sunday expressing sympathy for Spokane residents. «My deepest sympathies to the folks in Spokane who just lost everything in an instant,» he wrote. «Nothing can really prepare you for this devastation.»
The former Los Angeles mayoral candidate warned that no community should assume it is safe from similar disasters. «And everyone else, take heed... this is coming for you, too,» Pratt wrote. «Don't wait til the fire is at your patio door.» He urged families to have an evacuation plan ready, noting that wildfires often move too quickly for last-minute decisions. «Have a plan. Don't expect government to be there to save your home,» he added. «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 acknowledged the toll beyond property loss. «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 residents to look after their neighbors, writing that «they have a very long and painful road ahead, and everyone will move on from caring about Spokane in a week or so.» He closed by urging people to lean on their faith. «Above all else, if I can offer any advice right now... lean further into God,» Pratt 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.»
The fast-moving blazes scorching the Spokane area include the Autumn Lane Fire, which has burned 3,333 acres; the Old Trail Fire, which has scorched 3,481 acres; and the Fairview Fire, which has grown to 914 acres, according to Incident Commander Benjamin Cossel with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 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.
Officials said approximately 5,000 homes have been evacuated and confirmed that more than 600 structures have been destroyed, though they cautioned that the number could rise as crews reach damaged areas. The American Red Cross Northwest Region reported that more than 400 people and their pets spent Saturday night at an emergency shelter in Spokane after the fires forced widespread evacuations. The organization described «extreme weather conditions» as the cause of the disaster and said it has launched a «massive relief effort,» asking for donations and volunteers.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he spoke directly with President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the fires. In a social media post, Ferguson described the situation in Spokane and across the state as «dire and devastating,» and said Trump expressed concern for Washington residents. Ferguson added that he is optimistic the state will receive quick approval for its request for a federal emergency declaration. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, a Republican who represents the Spokane area, said he had also discussed potential federal assistance with Mullin and noted that a formal FEMA request would follow once the governor requests emergency assistance.
Local officials and public figures also responded to the destruction. Former Washington state Rep. Matt Shea shared a photograph of an American flag still standing after flames swept through a neighborhood, calling it «an amazing picture of hope among the ashes» and noting that friends of his had lost everything. Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson posted a message of support on X, writing, «Praying for Spokane!»