Deadly wildfires continue to rage in Southern California, prompting over 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. The fires have caused devastation in Los Angeles County, with at least five active blazes threatening lives and properties. Tragically, five people have lost their lives, and numerous homes, businesses, and iconic landmarks have been damaged or destroyed. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the situation as a “firestorm,” with authorities warning of further injuries and fatalities until the fires are contained.
Due to the ongoing emergency, local sports teams are adjusting their schedules. The NHL postponed a Los Angeles Kings game, while the NFL may relocate the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings if necessary. The fires have also impacted the NBA, leading to the postponement of the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets game at the Crypto.com Center.
Despite the challenges, the Los Angeles Rams intend to proceed with their NFL playoff game as planned at SoFi Stadium. However, there is a contingency plan to move the game to State Farm Stadium in Arizona if safety concerns arise. Athletes like Lakers coach JJ Redick and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr have been personally affected by the wildfires, underscoring the widespread impact of the disaster.
Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. shared his heartbreaking story of losing his home and Olympic medals in the wildfires, highlighting the swift and devastating nature of the ongoing crisis in the Los Angeles area.
Olympic champion Hall Jr. tragically lost all 10 of his Olympic medals when the home he was renting in Pacific Palisades, California, was consumed by a fire. His possessions were destroyed, leaving him to start over. Despite the loss, Hall Jr. remains optimistic, stating that the medals, while valuable, are ultimately just material possessions. Hall Jr. had won multiple gold medals in swimming at the Olympics and is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding after the devastating fire.
In other news, the NFL is considering moving the wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings to Arizona due to wildfires threatening the safety of the Los Angeles community. Additionally, the historic Riviera Country Club, home to the Genesis Invitational golf tournament, is at risk as the fires continue to spread rapidly. NBA star Kawhi Leonard has stepped away from the Los Angeles Clippers to assist his family members who were evacuated due to the wildfires. The Los Angeles Kings’ hockey game has been postponed in light of the devastating effects of the wildfires in the area.
“The league added that a makeup date will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed. USA Today reporters Steve Gardner and Scooby Axson contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA fires updates: Lakers game postponed, Los Angeles sports impact.”
