The NFL has moved Monday’s play-off game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings to Glendale, Arizona, as wildfires continue to devastate the L.A. area.

Monday night’s wild-card game was moved from the Rams’ SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

The NFL announced the change Thursday amid concerns about air quality and the availability of police and first responders. The league released a brief statement saying that the decision was made “in the interest of public safety.”

Multiple wildfires have devastated the Los Angeles area over the last few days, including one in the vicinity of the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills that has caused an evacuation order.

The Rams practised on Thursday but cancelled media availability afterwards, allowing players and coaches to return home more quickly.

Just an unbelievable water drop by this helicopter on the rapidly spreading Kenneth Fire near West Hills and Calabasas. Heroes. pic.twitter.com/FVPFr7QVdP

— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) January 10, 2025

Before practice, Rams coach Sean McVay addressed how the unpredictable situation could affect his players.

“You acknowledge these things, but you also want to make sure that how you can control making sure that you’re doing the right things is preparing accordingly, while also being mindful that this is bigger than football,” McVay said. “If people you’re directly involved with are affected, you’re making sure you’re tending to that first.”

The Chargers also practised in the Los Angeles area on Thursday as they prepare for their road play-off game on Saturday against the Houston Texans.

With nearly 200,000 people ordered to evacuate their homes, sports have taken a backseat to the devastation. The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets, originally scheduled for Thursday night.

The blazes continue to ravage Southern California, with the two largest fires remaining totally uncontained as of Thursday night, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Low precipitation levels and Santa Ana winds have fuelled at least six separate wildfires that have scorched 54 square miles, as of Thursday night.