As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to devastate the area, a key game of the NFL Wild Card Weekend is being closely watched.
Monday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings could be affected by the wildfires, and the league issued a statement indicating that.
“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,” the league wrote in a statement, according to ESPN.
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Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire as it burns multiple structures in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
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 remains variable as the fires continue.
The Rams announced Wednesday that no players or staff members have been affected by the fires, but they are also 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 in a statement Wednesday.
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Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among the many who posted on X to show support for their community during this difficult time.
“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.”
Palisades Fire burns during a wind storm on the west side of Los Angeles, California, USA, January 7, 2025. (REUTERS/Ringo Chiu)
Nacua added: “Thank you to all the first responders! God bless the affected families!”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams, altered their practice schedule Wednesday to limit players’ time outdoors, a team official told ESPN. The Chargers head to Houston to face the Texans on Saturday.
Air quality is one of the main concerns due to the fires, as indices have varied between 150 and 300 depending on location, with 150 classified as “very unhealthy” to breathe.
Inglewood, home of SoFi Stadium and site of the Rams’ wild-card game, had an air quality index of 281 on Wednesday.
The weather conditions do not help firefighters control the flames, as it is too windy to fight the fires with airplanes.
The Palisades Fire ravages a neighborhood amid high winds in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
The Los Angeles Fire Department has already called out off-duty firefighters to help, and thousands are already working around the clock to keep them under control.
