California Neighborhood Smolders Amid Wildfire
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported from the Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica border, stating that no active fire could be seen as firefighters work to quell raging wildfires across the Los Angeles area. The National Football League (NFL) has put in place a contingency plan as it continues to monitor the wildfires in California ahead of the Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings wild-card matchup on Monday.
The No. 4-seeded Rams are scheduled to host the No. 5 Vikings at SoFi Stadium, but there is a strong chance the venue won’t be used due to the wildfires. The NFL released a statement saying it plans to have the Rams-Vikings play as scheduled at SoFi Stadium, but if the stadium can’t be used, the game will be moved to a different venue. State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, will be the backup location for the wild-card game if necessary.
The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community, and the league is working closely with public officials, both clubs, and the NFL Players Association. As of Wednesday afternoon, the air quality index in Inglewood hit 281, according to ESPN, which is considered unhealthy at 150 or higher. The Los Angeles Chargers limited their practice due to poor air quality, and the Rams had a scheduled off day.
At least 70,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as three major fires burn from the Pacific coast to Pasadena. The Rams announced that no players or staff members have been affected by the fires, but the team is monitoring the situation closely. Several Rams players, including Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, took to social media to show support for the community and the first responders.