Wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles County, destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and other structures while claiming the lives of at least five people.
This heartbreaking tragedy has also raised concerns about one of college football’s most iconic venues.
As reported by the Associated Press, the fires prompted 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 Associated Press stated 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.”
Fortunately, the Rose Bowl is not scheduled to host any additional games this year following the Ohio State Buckeyes’ victory over the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day earlier this month.
Still, the situation sparked a lot of reactions on social media.
“I would like to volunteer as a firefighter this week to make sure this stadium is unharmed,” one college football fan wrote on X.
“We must protect the Rose Bowl at all costs!” someone else said.
“I would put my life on the line to protect the Rose Bowl at all costs,” another person wrote.
“Protect this at all costs,” someone else said.
“Obviously praying for all the humans impacted by the fires but man I hope this stadium stays in tact. It is such a classic venue and an important piece of sports history,” another fan wrote.
“Please save this stadium,” someone else said.
While the stadium is an iconic landmark for all college football fans, the safety of everyone in the area is of primary importance. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the disaster.
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