December 06, 2017
The wildfires currently burning outside of Los Angeles are so large that they can be seen from space, so it's no surprise that they'd have a major impact extending to the area beyond where the flames themselves are doing the most damage.
And part of that area includes where the Eagles, staying in California ahead of their second-straight game on the West Coast, are planning to face the Rams on Sunday.
Due to poor air quality from the massive fires, which have been fanned by the Santa Ana winds, the Rams were forced to cancel Wednesday's practice at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, according to The Orange County Register.
Rather than a typical 90-minute full practice, the Rams will hold a lighter “walk-thru” practice at Cal Lutheran, four days before their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at the Coliseum. The Rams’ practice schedule for Thursday and Friday has yet to be determined. [ocregister.com]
The Eagles' practices, which are taking place further south in Anaheim, aren't expected to be impacted at this time. As for Sunday's game, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is located closer to the fires than where the Eagles are practicing, but nowhere near as close as where the Rams practice.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said on Wednesday that he has not yet heard from the NFL about any contingency plans regarding the possibility of moving Sunday's game.
Pederson: Fires are obviously a serious issue. Our thoughts and prayers are with people effected. The #Rams have been effected, that's unsettling. Thoughts of snow game getting pushed to Tuesday come back with this. #Eagles
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoPHL) December 6, 2017
Still, with winds expected to climb on Thursday and increase the threat of fires, especially in the area immediately surrounding the Coliseum, there's no guarantee the game will go off as scheduled.
#SantaAnaWinds will continue to elevate fire danger in Southern CA with expectant winds reaching 80 mph on Thursday. Any new fires will have extreme levels of fire growth potential. Prepare now & be ready to GO! Learn more about evacuation preparedness: https://t.co/hHTBtHlGh9 pic.twitter.com/Tm0X2Tui6r
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) December 6, 2017
Stay tuned. We'll keep you updated with the latest.
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