Wildfires in Los Angeles Raise Concerns for the NFL Ahead of Wild Card Round
Wildfires in Los Angeles Raise Concerns for the NFL Ahead of Wild Card Round
The NFL announced on Wednesday that it is closely monitoring the wildfires in Los Angeles, California, the city set to host the Rams vs. Vikings wild card game scheduled for next Monday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. "The NFL is monitoring the situation in the area and will remain in contact with both teams and the Players Association," the league stated in an official release.
The wildfires have devastated several parts of the region, destroying more than 1,000 structures and displacing dozens of residents. Strong winds have further complicated the efforts of thousands of firefighters working to control the flames, a situation that, according to meteorological reports, could persist for several more days.
In response to the emergency, the Los Angeles Rams shared a message of support on their social media accounts: "Our hearts go out to those affected by the wildfires in the city and to the first responders protecting our community." Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers, the city’s other NFL team, announced a $200,000 donation to various organizations, including the Red Cross and animal rescue foundations.
"Our hearts are with everyone displaced by these fires, the firefighters, police officers, and first responders risking their lives to keep us safe, as well as those stepping up to help during this critical time," wrote Dean Spanos, president of the Chargers, in a statement.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Rams are continuing preparations to host the Vikings on Monday, January 13, at SoFi Stadium, while the Chargers are set to face the Houston Texans on Saturday in the divisional round, although as the visiting team.
The NFL, teams, and local authorities are keeping a close watch on the wildfires' developments to ensure the safety of fans and players during the games.