Sports-NFL still plans to keep the Vikings-Rams in LA despite the wildfire

By Rory Carroll

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The NFL said on Monday it was still preparing to host the Vikings-Rams game in Los Angeles, despite several devastating fires in the region, but could move the game to Glendale, Arizona if necessary. .

More than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate as a massive wildfire swept through Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes and straining firefighting resources and water supplies.

“The NFL’s top priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement.

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and continue to engage with both clubs and NFL[players union]officials.”

The Rams had an off day on Wednesday before Monday night’s showdown with Minnesota at SOPHIE (NASDAQ: ) Stadium in Inglewood.

State Farm Stadium in Glendale is the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Los Angeles Chargers, who take on the Texans in Houston on Saturday, limited their players’ practice time outside on Wednesday to limit exposure to fumes, according to ESPN.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire,” Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp said on social media.

“Thank you to the firefighters, first responders and others who do their best in unpredictable situations.

Earlier, the NHL postponed Rob’s Los Angeles Kings home game against the Calgary Flames due to the fire.

“The thoughts of the entire NHL family are with the Kings, hockey fans and the people of the Los Angeles area at this difficult time,” the NHL said in a statement.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Reddick said Tuesday that family members have been evacuated from their home that caught fire in the Pacific Palisades area of ​​Los Angeles.

“I want to acknowledge and send my thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said before the Lakers’ 118-97 road loss to the Mavericks in Dallas.

The Lakers returned home after the game, did not practice on Wednesday, and are scheduled to host the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena, the same venue where the Kings play, on Thursday night.

Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts and fueled the fire, which has been burning unabated since it began on Tuesday.

Five separate fires have burned in Los Angeles County, all 0% contained, according to state officials.