Wildfires continue to devastate parts of Los Angeles, leading to thousands of evacuations and significant air quality concerns. As a result, the NFL is closely monitoring the situation’s potential impact on the wild-card playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams, scheduled for Monday night at SoFi Stadium.
While the league remains prepared to play the game at its original venue, it has a contingency plan in place to move the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if conditions worsen.
This isn’t the first time the NFL has had to relocate a game due to wildfires. In 2003, a Monday night game between the Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers was moved to Arizona because of similar circumstances.
The Rams, who are headquartered in Woodland Hills, north of the affected Pacific Palisades area, have reported that no players or staff members have been directly impacted by the fires. However, the team is still monitoring the situation closely. Rams players, such as star receiver Cooper Kupp, have expressed solidarity with those affected by the fires and praised the efforts of first responders.
The Chargers, who are also preparing for a wild-card game against the Texans in Houston, have adapted their practice schedule in response to the deteriorating air quality. The team has limited outdoor activities and altered practice routines to ensure player safety.
On Wednesday, the air quality index in Los Angeles reached unhealthy levels, with the Inglewood area where SoFi Stadium is located reaching an air quality rating of 281. The Chargers have been taking steps to keep players healthy while still maintaining preparation for their upcoming game.
To assist those impacted by the wildfires, the Chargers have committed $200,000 to various organizations supporting relief efforts, including the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation. As wildfires rage, the Los Angeles Fire Department has issued a call for off-duty firefighters to help with the ongoing crisis. At least five people have already lost their lives, and many more have been injured. The situation remains dire as the region continues to battle the destructive fires.
California’s wildfire season traditionally occurs from June to October, but in recent years, the season has been extending into the winter months due to rising temperatures and climate change. While January wildfires are uncommon, they have occurred in the past few years, including in 2021 and 2022.
Experts suggest that changing weather patterns, coupled with reduced rainfall, have lengthened the fire season, making it possible for wildfires to burn throughout the winter. The ongoing situation in Los Angeles highlights the increasing challenges posed by these extended fire seasons.