Spokane Bishop Daly calls for prayers amid devastating wildfires in Washington state

Bishop Thomas Daly of the Diocese of Spokane is asking for prayers and support for people affected by major wildfires in Washington state. In a letter to the diocese dated Aug. 3, Daly asked the community to pray for neighbors who lost property, those forced to evacuate, and everyone whose lives were disrupted by the fires. He also requested prayers for firefighters, doctors, volunteers, and other emergency responders.

The fires have consumed hundreds of structures and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. According to Washington state government data from Aug. 4, more than 13,500 acres burned since July 31, contributing to a total of over half a million acres burned in the state so far in 2026. Several large fires were burning north and west of Spokane.

On Aug. 3, Daly and Vicar General Father Darrin Connall toured parts of the damaged region with a police escort, Daly told EWTN News on Aug. 4. The bishop noted that while the area is accustomed to wildfires in forests and the countryside, these recent fires have caused significant disruption.