Five days before the Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings in an NFC wild-card playoff game, the NFL announced it is monitoring wildfires that have been burning in parts of Los Angeles County since Tuesday.
“The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in this area and will continue to communicate with both clubs and the NFLPA,” the league said in a statement Wednesday.
Wind gusts reaching nearly 160 mph sparked fires in the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst and Woodley, killing at least five people and destroying more than 1,100 buildings.
The NFC West champion and fourth-seeded Rams are scheduled to face the fifth-seeded Vikings on Monday at 5 p.m. PT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. With Wednesday scheduled as a break from practice, it remains to be seen whether the Rams will consider practicing somewhere other than the Woodland Hills facility later this week.
The Rams posted on X: “Our hearts go out to those affected by the fires,” and “the first responders protecting our community.”
“Please stay safe,” the team wrote.
Star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were among the Rams players who posted similar sentiments.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fire.
Thank you to our firefighters, first responders, and others for your hard work during unimaginable circumstances.
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) January 8, 2025
“Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else who did their best in unfathomable circumstances,” Kupp wrote.
Nacua added: “God bless the families affected!”
Thank you to everyone who answered first! God bless the families affected!
— Puka Nakua (@AsapPuka) January 8, 2025
The Chargers, whose home games are played at SoFi Stadium and whose playoff opener is on the road against the Houston Texans on Saturday, announced Wednesday that they will donate $200,000 to wildfire relief efforts. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, and pet rescue organizations caring for animals displaced by the fire.
The Chargers, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, adjusted their practice routine Wednesday, limiting players’ time outdoors at the El Segundo practice facility. Offensive players and defensive scout team members alternate on-field sessions with defensive players and offensive scout team members, and some coaches and team officials wear face masks on the field. I was wearing it.
Most of the Chargers’ players and coaches live near the South Bay and are not in immediate danger, but offensive coordinator Greg Roman said wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal and his family are at home in Calabasas. He said he had to evacuate from.
The Chargers canceled one of their postseason fan events in Sherman Oaks originally scheduled for Friday, but will continue with “Charge Up to the Playoffs” events in Orange, Rancho Cucamonga and Hermosa Beach. We also plan to carry out activities to supply supplies to evacuation centers.
Fans attending the event will be provided with the following items: bottled water, blankets, new or used clothing, first aid kits, hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant, saline, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer), etc. You will be asked to bring items that are commonly requested during an evacuation. , baby products (diapers, powdered milk, wet wipes), sanitary products, paper towels, toilet paper, portable chargers, pet food, water.
