Rapidly spreading wildfires throughout Southern California have forced over 100,000 individuals to evacuate their homes as firefighters work to contain at least five active blazes in Los Angeles County.

Due to the ongoing dangers in Southern California and the necessity for emergency services and resources to manage the wildfires, local professional and collegiate sports teams are also adapting their schedules.

The NFL has relocated the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Arizona, citing “public safety” concerns. Additionally, the NHL has postponed the Los Angeles Kings game scheduled for Wednesday, and the NBA followed suit by postponing the Los Angeles Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

So far, five fatalities have been reported, with thousands of homes, businesses, and even recognizable Hollywood landmarks at risk, damaged, or completely destroyed during what Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass referred to as a “historic firestorm” in a late-night briefing on Wednesday. Authorities cautioned that more injuries and fatalities are likely until the fires are fully contained.

Here are additional updates regarding the impact of the Los Angeles fires on the sports community:

NFL Relocates Rams vs. Vikings Playoff Game to Arizona

The NFL made a prompt decision without delay. The league announced that the wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings, initially set for Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, has now been shifted to Arizona.

“This decision was reached after discussions with public officials, the participating teams, and the NFL Players Association,” the league indicated in its statement.

This isn’t the first instance of the NFL relocating a game in Southern California due to wildfires. In 2003, a game between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins was moved to Tempe, Arizona, where the Chargers lost 26-10. — Nate Davis

Rams Send Players Home Amid Nearby Fire

The Los Angeles Rams conducted their practice on Thursday, during which smoke was visibly rising from nearby areas. The team decided to cancel media availability later that day to allow players to return home after a new blaze, named The Kenneth Fire, ignited less than five miles from their training facility in Woodland Hills, California.

The Kenneth Fire has already consumed 50 acres, as reported by Cal Fire.

‘Surreal’: Steve Kerr Loses Childhood Home and High School

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, shared that his childhood home in Pacific Palisades was destroyed by the Palisades Fire, which has ravaged over 17,000 acres and obliterated more than 1,000 structures in just three days, according to Cal Fire. Kerr described the loss as “devastating” and “shocking.”

“It’s been a tough situation. My family is safe. My mom is being taken care of, but her house is gone,” Kerr mentioned ahead of the Warriors’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. “That place is my hometown, and basically all of my friends from there have lost their family homes. Our whole high school (Palisades Charter High School) is destroyed. It feels like the whole town has been wiped out.”

Kerr noted that his parents purchased the home in Pacific Palisades in 1969, and just two weeks ago he had dinner there with his 90-year-old mother, who is now “safe and sound” following her evacuation on Tuesday.

Sean McVay: Rams Staff Affected by Fires

During Thursday’s comments, Rams head coach Sean McVay mentioned that some individuals within the organization have been impacted by the wildfires, with a few staff members facing home damage.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these fires,” McVay said. “It almost feels unreal, but for those impacted, it is their reality. I hope that as many people as possible are safe. The sheer number of people affected gives a different perspective on life. We hope to see this situation under control soon. It has been an unusual week. Unfortunately, some of our staff members faced power outages and were advised to evacuate. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported among our team.” — Tyler Dragon

Chargers Adjust Practice Amid Wildfires

The Los Angeles Chargers modified their practice schedule this week to minimize outdoor exposure for players and staff as they prepare for their upcoming playoff game against the Houston Texans. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned that wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal experienced a challenging night due to his home being affected by the fires. — Tyler Dragon

Lakers Coach JJ Redick’s Home Lost in Palisades Fire

JJ Redick, the first-year coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and a veteran NBA player, disclosed earlier this week that he resides in the Palisades neighborhood, directly in the path of the raging wildfires. Redick confirmed that his family, along with over 100,000 others, was evacuated and that they are currently safe.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the devastating wildfires have taken a serious toll, leaving significant destruction in their wake.

In response to the multiple deadly fires that remain uncontrolled, the NBA has postponed the game that was set for Thursday night between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets. This event was scheduled to occur at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

UCLA cancels men’s volleyball matches

Due to health and safety issues arising from the wildfires devastating the Los Angeles area, UCLA has canceled two upcoming men’s volleyball matches.

The Bruins were expected to compete against Farleigh Dickinson and St. Francis on Thursday and Friday at Pauley Pavilion, but those games have been called off for now. UCLA indicated there is a chance these matches could be rescheduled. Additionally, the school announced on Wednesday evening that it would limit campus operations, cancelling undergraduate classes and transitioning graduate courses to online formats for the remainder of the week.

Pepperdine, Loyola-Marymount women’s basketball games postponed

Two universities in the Los Angeles area have postponed women’s basketball games originally set for Thursday night due to the impacts of the dangerous wildfires in the vicinity.

Loyola-Marymount has announced that its West Coast Conference game against San Diego is postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date as a precaution due to concerns about air quality in Gersten Pavilion, which is undergoing renovations, prioritizing the well-being of athletes, coaches, staff, and fans.

Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, also postponed its WCC game against Portland, citing the ongoing Palisades Fire and limited access to their campus. They are scheduled to host Loyola-Marymount in women’s basketball on Saturday, but no decision has been made regarding that game yet.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets game postponed due to LA fires

The NBA has announced that the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, which was set for Thursday at Crypto.com Center, has been postponed due to ongoing wildfires in the area. Details about a new date for the game will be shared later.

The NBA issued a statement expressing their support for the Los Angeles community during this difficult time, thanking the local firefighters and first responders for their bravery and sending prayers to those affected by the destructive fires.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed earlier this week that he resides in the Palisades area seriously impacted by the wildfires and that his family was among those forced to evacuate. Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also shared that his 90-year-old mother had to evacuate as well.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL playoffs game update

The Los Angeles Rams reaffirmed in a statement on Thursday that they are still planning to proceed with their NFL playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings as scheduled for Monday night. This match, part of the wild-card weekend, is set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, not too far from the areas affected by the wildfires.

The Rams confirmed that if conditions prevent the game from taking place at SoFi Stadium, it could be moved to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“This is merely a contingency plan. If changes occur, we will inform all ticket holders via email regarding their tickets,” the Rams stressed. “We are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with local authorities, the NFL, and the NFLPA. We hope you are safe, and we look forward to seeing you on Monday night.”

Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. loses home, Olympic medals in wildfires

Gary Hall Jr. has shared that the wildfires destroying parts of Los Angeles spread so swiftly that he was unable to retrieve any of his 10 Olympic medals. The home he was renting in Pacific Palisades, California, which also served as a base for his business, was completely engulfed by the flames, wiping out nearly all of his belongings, Hall Jr. told the Sydney Herald.

“I thought about the medals. I just didn’t have time to grab them,” Hall Jr. stated. “People keep asking if they burned. Yes, everything was lost. But that’s a loss I can cope with; it’s all just material. Starting over will be challenging, but what’s done is done.”

Hall won consecutive gold medals in the men’s 50-meter freestyle at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics, along with three golds for Team USA’s relay teams in Atlanta 1996. He also earned three silver and two bronze medals throughout his Olympic career.

Read more about a scene Hall described as “worse than any apocalypse movie you’ve ever seen.”

NFL could move Rams-Vikings playoff game to Arizona due to wildfires

The NFL is prepared to relocate the wild-card playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings if it becomes unsafe to hold the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Monday night.

In a statement on Wednesday, the league indicated that it is still set to play at the Rams’ home ground but has contingency arrangements to switch the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if necessary due to the ongoing wildfires.

“The priority of the NFL is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We appreciate the relentless efforts of first responders and our hearts are with everyone affected by these fires,” part of the statement read. “We will keep a close watch on the situation and will stay in touch with public officials, both clubs, and the NFLPA.”

Historic Los Angeles golf course in wildfire’s path

Riviera Country Club, one of the nation’s most storied golf courses, finds itself in the path of the wildfire. The venue for the Genesis Invitational has been placed under a mandatory evacuation order as the fire remains out of control. The club is scheduled to host its PGA Tour event from February 13-16. The Genesis is viewed as one of the Tour’s premier events.

Kawhi Leonard Takes Time Off from Clippers to Support Family

Star forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, has taken a leave from the team to assist family members forced to evacuate due to the wildfires in Southern California, as reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Leonard, who bought a house in the severely affected Pacific Palisades area in 2021, will not participate in the Clippers’ game on Wednesday night in Denver. His return date to the team remains uncertain.

Game Postponed for Los Angeles Kings

The NHL has announced that the Los Angeles Kings’ matchup against the Calgary Flames scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the NHL said, “Due to the severe impact of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames at Crypto.com Arena, NHL Game No. 653, has been postponed. Our thoughts are with the Kings, their fans, and the residents of Los Angeles during this challenging time.”

The league will provide a rescheduled date as soon as it is confirmed.