By Rory Carroll
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The NFL said it was continuing preparations to hold the Vikings-Rams playoff game in Los Angeles on Monday despite a series of devastating wildfires in the region, but could change the game’s location to Glendale, Arizona if necessary.
Raging wildfires engulfed Los Angeles on Wednesday, killing at least five people, destroying hundreds of homes and draining firefighting resources and water supplies as more than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate.
“The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community,” the league said in a statement.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments in that area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFL.”
The Rams had a scheduled day off Wednesday ahead of Monday night’s showdown against Minnesota at SoFi (NASDAQ: ) Stadium in Inglewood.
State Farm Stadium in Glendale is home to the Arizona Cardinals.
The playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers, who face the Texans in Houston on Saturday, restricted their players from being outdoors during practice Wednesday to limit exposure to smoke, ESPN reported.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires,” Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp posted on social media.
“Thank you to the firefighters, emergency services and everyone else who are doing their best in incomprehensible circumstances.
Earlier in the day, the NHL postponed the Los Angeles Kings’ home game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday due to a 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 Redick said Tuesday that members of his family have evacuated their home in the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.
“I just want to acknowledge and send my thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now,” Redick said before the Lakers’ 118-97 loss to the Mavericks in Dallas.
The Lakers returned home to LA 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 fanned the blazes, which have been burning unabated since they broke out on Tuesday.
Five separate fires have been burning in Los Angeles County, all of which are 0% contained, according to state officials.
