CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 17, 2026 – CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 17, 2026 – The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (BG-RRT) is deploying alongside Samaritan’s Purse to Spokane, Washington, in response to the devastating wildfires that have destroyed more than 700 homes and other structures and forced approximately 65,000 residents to evacuate, making it one of the most destructive wildfires to impact Washington communities in recent years.
Serving alongside the local church, crisis-trained chaplains will minister throughout the Spokane area, offering emotional and spiritual care to families, first responders and others affected by the devastating wildfires.
“Our hearts are with every family whose life has been turned upside down by these devastating wildfires,” said Josh Holland, vice president of the BG-RRT Global. “While homes and possessions can be lost in a matter of moments, we know that the hope of Jesus Christ endures through every circumstance. That’s the message our chaplains will be sharing, reminding every hurting person that they are not alone and that God is near to those who are brokenhearted.”
The BG-RRT deploys to natural disasters in coordination with Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian disaster relief organization also led by Franklin Graham. Together, the two ministries will address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those impacted by the crisis.
In addition to Spokane, chaplains are ministering in Ohio after devastating flooding; Appleton, Wisconsin, following a tornado; and West Virginia and southwest Texas after severe flooding. The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team also continues to offer emotional and spiritual care to families forced to flee their homes in war-torn Ukraine.n by offering emotional and spiritual support in response to the wildfire crisis.
For more information on the ministry, including videos, photos, news articles and an interactive map of former and current deployments, visit the BG-RRT press kit or BillyGraham.org/RRT. Updates can also be found at Facebook.com/RRTChaplains.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with:
- Josh Holland, vice president of BG-RRT
- Chaplains in Spokane
- B-Roll and photos (please use with credit to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
- Interview request form
About the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team was developed by Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. It has since grown into an international network of chaplains in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia who are specifically trained to deal with crisis situations. They have deployed to more than 960 disaster sites across the globe, including shootings, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
– 30 –
MEDIA CONTACT:
Claisse Opulencia
[email protected]
+1 (704) 401-2717