The NFL is closely monitoring the devastating wildfires in California amid concerns ahead of Monday’s playoff game in Los Angeles.
The Rams will host the Minnesota Vikings in Monday night’s 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 Wednesday.
The Vikings are expected to land in Los Angeles later this week to prepare for the game.
Los Angeles’ other NFL team, the Chargers, will play the Houston Texans on the road on Saturday afternoon.
So far, there have been two deaths from the fires and thousands of buildings destroyed.
Wildfires are causing devastation in Los Angeles and two people lose their lives
The Rams said in a statement on social media Tuesday night: “Our hearts go out to those affected by the Palisades wildfires and the first responders protecting our community.” Be safe.’
Lakers coach JJ Redick said his family had to evacuate their home.
“I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in Palisades right now,” Redick said before 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, have been 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, and I hope everyone is safe.”
The fire started around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, shortly after the start of a Saint Anne wind storm that the National Weather Service warned could be “life-threatening” and be the strongest to hit Southern California in more than a decade.
Winds were expected to increase overnight and continue for days, producing isolated gusts that could exceed 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph) in mountains and hills, even in areas that have not seen substantial rain in months.
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