Wildfires have swept across Los Angeles County, leaving thousands of homes, businesses, and other structures in ruins and resulting in the loss of at least five lives.
It’s been a devastating tragedy, and it sounds like college football’s most historic stadium has been threatened.
According to a report from the Associated Press, the fires forced an evacuation warning for the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
“At least four separate blazes were burning in the metropolitan area, from the Pacific Coast inland to Pasadena, home of the famed Rose Parade,” the Associate Press wrote on Wednesday.
“With thousands of firefighters already attacking the flames, the Los Angeles Fire Department put out a plea for off-duty firefighters to help, and weather conditions were too windy for firefighting aircraft to fly, further hampering the fight. Fire officials hoped to get the flights up later Wednesday.”
The good news is that the Rose Bowl is not set to host any other games for the remainder of the year after the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day earlier this month.
In addition to the Rose Bowl, the situation also has potential implications for the upcoming NFL playoffs.
The Los Angeles Rams are scheduled to face the Minnesota Vikings in Los Angeles on Monday night in the Wild Card round. Although the game is currently set to proceed as planned, the NFL has acknowledged that adjustments may be necessary.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires,” the NFL said in a statement.
“We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in place in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.”
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the devastation.
