'The Biggest Loser' Coach Dolvett Quince Talks California's Resilience Amidst Devastating Wildfires
Dolvett Quince, a personal trainer best known for appearing on The Biggest Loser seasons 12 through 17, has been speaking out on social media as one of the many Californians who lost their homes as wildfires raged across Los Angeles County.
Quince says he first heard about the fires on social media and that he saw smoke from his home just 2 miles from Palisades.
“I stayed that night. It was very difficult to breathe at home because you could smell the ash and there was just smoke in the air. It got into my throat, through my nose, into my eyes, into my dogs. The same thing, and we all decided to pack a bag just in case we got a notice to leave the next day.
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Celebrity trainer Dolvett Quince talks about the moments leading up to his evacuation during the wildfires sweeping through California.
Quince says that when he first saw smoke as the fire started, he thought what a shame it was. At that time he did not see the gravity of what was happening, but when he returned to his home today, it was bad.
“A lot of downed trees, a lot of wind blown stuff. There's a lot of debris on the roads that is still damaged from tree damage. I think we have a long way to go to clean things up… it looks good. It's bad,” he said.
He remains, as always, optimistic. Remembering that there have been many other tragedies over the years.
“Katrina survived; Puerto Rico survived. Right? They were able to bounce back. I think because California has so many resources, the people who live here want to see that their city is better managed, better governed. I think people are going to take action to make sure we come back strong and I'm hopeful about that,” said Quince.
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Firefighters work on deck as Palisades Fire burns beach area Jan. 8, 2025, Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
The community around him is already showing signs of going backwards.
“I saw people helping others with tap water, that's exactly what I will do if I come down here with you and go out into the community and help people,” he said. “I think a change has happened here in Los Angeles where people are taking care of each other and helping others.”
He also expressed disappointment, as many of the victims of the bushfires have done, with the preparedness of the government in an area known for frequent fires and earthquakes.
“I feel like we know the problem, but we weren't ready for the problem even though we knew it,” he said. “We pay too many taxes to get this limited care.”
Hollywood Hills fire (FOX Weather)
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However, he commended the firefighters everywhere and in neighboring countries for their quick response and help, saying they deserve more for all their hard work.
“The response time of the firefighters and the first responders, the firefighters and the firefighters that came was amazing, absolutely amazing,” Quince enthused. “Firefighters should be paid more, firefighters should be more appreciated, and I think as a state, especially in fire-prone states, I think there should be a bump. There should be someone who cares enough about your hard work and what you have to go through to sacrifice your life and your families to do the job that you do. we take better care of it.
