Sports-NFL still plans to host Vikings-Rams in LA despite wildfires By Reuters

Written by Rory Carroll

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The NFL said it is moving ahead with plans to host the Vikings-Rams playoff game in Los Angeles on Monday despite a series of devastating fires in the area, but may change the game’s location to Glendale, Arizona if needed. .

Blazing fires engulfed Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes and straining fire and water supplies, as more than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate. move away

“The NFL’s most important concern is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the club said in a statement.

“We will continue to monitor developments in this area and will be in constant communication with local authorities, clubs and the NFL (Players Association).

The Rams had a scheduled day off Wednesday before Monday night’s game against Minnesota at SoFi (NASDAQ: ) Stadium in Inglewood.

State Farm Stadium in Glendale is the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

The quarantined Los Angeles Chargers, who face the Texans in Houston on Saturday, limited their players’ time outside during their practice on Wednesday to reduce exposure to smoke, ESPN reported.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Rams receiver Cooper Kupp announced on social media.

“Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone doing their best in unimaginable circumstances.

Earlier in the day the NHL postponed Wednesday’s home game of the Los Angeles Kings against the Calgary Flames due to a fire.

“The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area during this difficult time,” the NHL said in a statement.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick on Tuesday said members of his family have been evacuated from their home in the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

“I just want to acknowledge and send my thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said before the Lakers’ 118-97 road loss to the Mavericks in Dallas.

The Lakers returned home to LA 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.

Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts and fueled the fires, which have burned unabated since they started on Tuesday.

Five separate fires have burned in Los Angeles County, all of which are 0% contained according to state officials.