California neighborhoods smolder amid wildfires
Fox News correspondent Bill Melzin, reporting from the Pacific Palisades-Santa Monica border, said firefighters were working to extinguish wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area and there were no active fires. Ta.
Ahead of Monday's wild-card game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, the NFL has put in place a contingency plan as it continues to monitor wildfires in California.
The fourth-seeded Rams are scheduled to host the fifth-seeded Vikings at SoFi Stadium, but the Inglewood venue will likely not be used due to wildfires raging in the area.
The NFL released a statement announcing that the Rams and Vikings will be played as scheduled at SoFi Stadium on Monday night. If the stadium is unavailable, 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 of a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on December 28, 2024. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, will serve as a backup venue for the wild-card game if needed.
“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 are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in this area and remain in contact with government officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”
NFL monitors Los Angeles Wildfires; Rams set to host Vikings in wild-card round
The league released a statement early Wednesday saying it was monitoring the situation.
The Rams had a scheduled off day on Wednesday, but the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium and head to Houston for their own wild-card game on Saturday, were forced to practice due to poor air quality. limited the amount of time players spent outdoors.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Inglewood's air quality index reached 281, according to ESPN. Air is considered unhealthy above 150.
A Pacific Palisades restaurant goes up in flames overnight. The Pacific Palisades wildfire broke out on Tuesday, January 7, and rapidly spread due to Santa Ana winds in the Los Angeles area. Hundreds of homes and vehicles were destroyed and thousands of people evacuated. (Michael Ho Wai Lee/Sipa, via AP)
At least 70,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as three large fires rage from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. Officials say the number of evacuation orders continues to fluctuate as the fire rages on.
The Rams announced Wednesday that no players or staff were affected by the fire, 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 communities. Stay safe,” Rams said. Ta.
Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among the many who posted on X to show support for the community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fire,” Kupp said. “Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and everyone else who did their best in unfathomable circumstances.”
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches from the sideline during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Nacua added: “Thank you to all the first responders! God bless the families affected!”
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