Written by Rory Carroll
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The NFL said it was continuing preparations for a playoff game between the Vikings and Rams in Los Angeles on Monday despite a series of devastating wildfires in the area, but it may change the location of the game to Glendale, Arizona, if necessary. .
Raging wildfires surrounded Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes and stretching firefighting resources and water supplies to the limit, with more than 100,000 people ordered to evacuate.
“The National Football League’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement.
He added, “We will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and will remain in contact with government officials, clubs and the Football Players Association.”
The Rams had a day off scheduled for Wednesday before Monday night's showdown against Minnesota at SoFi Stadium (NASDAQ:) in Inglewood.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale is the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
The playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers, who face the Texans in Houston on Saturday, reduced their players' time outdoors during their practices on Wednesday to limit smoke exposure, ESPN reported.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp posted on social media.
“Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and everyone else doing the best they can in unfathomable circumstances.
Earlier in the day, the NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings' home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday due to the fires.
“The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and Los Angeles area residents during this difficult time,” the NHL said in a statement.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick said Tuesday that his family members evacuated their home in the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
“I just want to pay tribute and send my thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said before the Lakers' 118-97 loss to the Mavericks in Dallas.
The Lakers returned home to Los Angeles after the game, did not practice on Wednesday, and are scheduled to host the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena, the same venue where the Kings play, on Thursday night.
High winds hampered firefighting efforts and fanned the fires, which have been burning unhindered since they began on Tuesday.
Five separate fires have burned in Los Angeles County, all of which are 0% contained according to state officials.
