The NFL finds itself facing an unexpected adversary ahead of the Minnesota Vikings’ wild-card playoff battle against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night—raging wildfires that have forced tens of thousands to flee their homes across the L.A. metropolitan area. As flames consume swaths of land from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena, the league is closely monitoring the crisis and its potential impact on the pivotal postseason clash at SoFi Stadium.
Wildfires Wreak Havoc Across Los Angeles
Three major infernos were still burning out of control Wednesday, casting an apocalyptic pall of smoke and ash over the region. At least 70,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the fires, whipped up by potent Santa Ana winds, have so far consumed over 5,000 acres and destroyed dozens of homes and businesses. The relentless blazes have pushed the area’s emergency response teams to the brink.
The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.
– NFL statement on L.A. wildfire situation
NFL, Teams Watching Crisis Closely
For now, the Vikings-Rams wild-card game remains on as scheduled for Monday at 5:15 p.m. local time. But the NFL emphasized it is keeping a close eye on the wildfire emergency, stating Wednesday that it “continues to closely monitor developments in the area” and vowing to stay in close communication with the Rams, Vikings and players union. The Rams, meanwhile, told ESPN that so far no players or staff have been directly impacted as the fires continue to spread.
Poor Air Quality Poses Health Risk
Even for those not in the immediate path of the flames, the wildfires present a serious health hazard. Smoke and ash have dramatically worsened air quality, with readings in the “very unhealthy” range of 150-300 throughout much of the L.A. basin. Near SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the air quality index hit a staggering 281 on Wednesday afternoon.
To limit harmful exposure, the Rams altered their practice schedule and the Chargers, who visit Houston on Saturday, cut short outdoor workouts. Both teams are taking precautions as they simultaneously prep for vital playoff games and monitor the wildfire fallout.
No Easy Battle Against The Blazes
Exhausted firefighters face a formidable foe in the wind-driven firestorms. Efforts to combat the flames from the air have been hampered by treacherous conditions, though officials hope to get water-dropping flights up and running soon. With at least 28,000 buildings endangered and two deaths linked to the wildfires so far, crews are in a desperate race to rein in the destruction.
An Unprecedented January Blaze
While Southern California’s wildfire season typically peaks in the fall, climate change has fueled a disturbing rise in off-season infernos. There were 10 January wildfires in 2021 alone, a symptom of the hotter, drier conditions now persisting later into the winter months.
That’s the alarming backdrop for Monday’s playoff contest, a game dripping with significance for both the ascending Vikings and the reigning champion Rams. But the focus, understandably, remains squarely on the deadly wildfires and the scramble to save lives, homes and a cherished California landscape from the advancing wall of flames.
The NFL, no stranger to contingency plans, will be sure to have plenty in place as this dangerous drama plays out. But for now, like millions across the Southland, the league can only watch, wait and hope for a break in the fiery siege—and a chance for the Vikings and Rams to seize the playoff spotlight as planned under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium.
