The NFL is closely monitoring the devastating wildfires in California amid concerns ahead of Monday’s playoff game in Los Angeles.
The Rams are hosting the Minnesota Vikings in the Monday evening game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, less than 20 miles from the Pacific Palisades fire.
‘The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA,’ a statement said on Wednesday.
The Vikings are expected to land in Los Angeles later this week to prepare for the game.
LA’s other NFL team, the Chargers, are playing on the road to the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon.
So far, there have been two deaths from the fires with thousands of buildings destroyed.
Wildfires are causing devastation across Los Angeles, with two people losing their lives
The Rams said in a social media statement on Tuesday night: ‘Our hearts are with those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe.’
Lakers coach JJ Redick said that his family had to evacuate their home.
‘I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,’ Redick said prior to the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Mavericks on Tuesday. ‘That´s where I live.
‘Our family, my wife´s family, my wife´s twin sister, they´ve evacuated. I know a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family.
‘From the sound of things, with the winds coming (Tuesday night), I know a lot of people are scared. So I just want to acknowledge that. Thoughts and prayers for sure, and hope everybody stays safe.’
The blaze began around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, shortly after the start of a Santa Ana windstorm that the National Weather service warned could be ‘life-threatening’ and the strongest to hit Southern California in more than a decade.
The winds were expected to increase overnight and continue for days, producing isolated gusts that could top 100mph (160kph) in mountains and foothills – including in areas that haven´t seen substantial rain in months.
