Homes, cars, and valuable belongings were ablaze as the world watched in horror. By now, most people have heard about what happened in Los Angeles earlier this year. Multiple wildfires ran rampant throughout regions of Los Angeles, causing around 16,000 homes to completely burn down. The fires were likely ignited by an electrical spark or fireworks, and were intensified by strong winds and drought conditions. Tragically, it has been reported that 29 people lost their lives to the fires. This was a grim reminder of how powerless people can be in the face of nature.
Though firefighters have finished containing the last of the fires, the effects have only begun to cause ripples throughout the sports world. The largest concerns are around the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and other major sporting events. The January fires have now been contained, but wildfires have been and will continue to be something Southern California experiences. Thick smoke from the fires regularly covers large portions of California, including the Los Angeles area. This could pose serious impacts to the health and safety of athletes, spectators, and staff during these events.
Organizers of the 2028 Olympics have acknowledged the threats posed by climate change and natural disasters, promising to incorporate strategies to minimize risks. Still, the timing of the fires raises critical questions about event preparation. From outdoor venues like track and field to the marathons and cycling races, smoke from the fires could pose serious health risks to athletes, potentially forcing delays or even event cancellations.
Beyond the Olympics, the wildfire season is already disrupting other sports. According to AP News, the PGA Tour announced that the Genesis Invitational, originally scheduled at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, will be relocated to Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego due to the wildfires. Tournament host Tiger Woods described the decision as “difficult,” emphasizing the importance of supporting fire victims by keeping the event in Southern California. This marks the first time since 1998 that the Los Angeles Open has been moved from Riviera.
Similarly, as reported by Reuters, the NFL moved the January 13th playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Viking from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This decision was made due to the wildfires affecting the area around the Rams’ home stadium.
These events highlight the immediate challenges posed by wildfires. Looking ahead, preparation for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will certainly be under close examination. According to CBS News, organizers claim that the fires have not damaged Olympic venues. However, the ongoing environmental challenges raise concerns about the city’s ability to host such a large-scale event considering the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters. The fires should be a reminder of how fragile our world is when confronted with natural disasters. The ripple effect can truly be felt through people of every industry, and thus should be addressed with great concern.
