California neighborhood burns amid wildfire
Pak Gazette correspondent Bill Melugin reported from the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica border, saying no active fires could be seen as firefighters worked to extinguish wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
The NFL has implemented a contingency plan as it continues to monitor wildfires in California ahead of the Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings wild-card matchup on Monday.
The No. 4 seed Rams are scheduled to host the No. 5 Vikings at SoFi Stadium, but as wildfires rage through the area, there’s a strong chance the Inglewood venue won’t be used.
The NFL released a statement saying it plans to have Rams-Vikings play as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. If the stadium cannot be used, the match will be moved to another venue.
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Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024, in Inglewood, California. (Harry How/Getty Images)
State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, will be the backup venue for the wild-card game, if necessary.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league’s statement began. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders. Our hearts go out to Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and remain in contact with public officials, both from the clubs and the NFLPA.”
NFL MONITOR LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES WITH RAMS PREPARED TO HOST VIKINGS FOR WILD CARD ROUND
The league issued a statement early Wednesday, saying it was monitoring the situation.
The Rams had a scheduled off day Wednesday, although the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium and are headed to Houston for their own wild-card game on Saturday, limited players’ time outdoors during practice because of poor conditions. air quality.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the air quality index in Inglewood reached 281, according to ESPN. The air is considered unhealthy at 150 or higher.
A restaurant in Pacific Palisades burns overnight. The Pacific Palisades wildfire, which started on Tuesday, January 7, spread rapidly due to Santa Ana winds in the Los Angeles area. Hundreds of homes and vehicles have been destroyed and thousands of people have been evacuated. (Michael Ho Wai Lee/Sipa via AP)
At least 70,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as three major fires burn from the Pacific coast to Pasadena. Officials say the number of evacuation orders continues to fluctuate as the fires progress.
The Rams announced Wednesday that no players or staff members have been affected by the fires, but the team is closely monitoring the situation.
“Our hearts go out to those affected by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena/Pasadena area and to the first responders protecting our community. Stay safe,” the Rams said.
Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among the many who posted on X to show their support for the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Kupp said. “Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and everyone else who did the best they could under unfathomable circumstances.”
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches from the sideline during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in Inglewood, California, on November 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Nacua added: “Thank you to all the first responders! God bless the affected families!”
