California wildfires cast shadow over LA 2028 Olympic plans
Devastating fires raise safety concerns for key Olympic venues and long-term preparations.
Smoke from the Palisades Fire rises over the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California on 11 January 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods 11 January, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since 7 January, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." News of the growing toll, announced late Thursday, 9 January by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, came as swaths of the United States' second-largest city lay in ruins.
Agustin PAULLIER / AFP
California’s raging wildfires are threatening not just lives and homes but also the future of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The devastating fires have consumed over 35,000 hectares, destroying neighborhoods and landmarks, and now pose a direct risk to several planned Olympic venues.
Olympic Venues Under Threat
Among the areas hardest hit is the prestigious Riviera Country Club, designated to host the Olympic golf tournament. Initially outside evacuation zones, the rapid spread of the Palisades fire—fueled by winds exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h)—has placed the site squarely in the danger zone. The flames also threaten nearby natural landmarks like Topanga State Park.
The Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, set to host archery, BMX, and skateboarding events, is also under threat. Although local firefighters report no structural damage thus far, the volatile conditions remain a concern. The historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, slated to host football matches, has been placed under evacuation protocols, highlighting the widespread risk to critical Olympic sites.
Athletes and Teams Affected
The environmental crisis has impacted athletes and professional teams across leagues. Former Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. lost his home and 10 Olympic medals in the Palisades fire. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard returned to Los Angeles to support his family following their evacuation, while Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s childhood home was destroyed, though his mother was safely rescued.
Professional sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL, have expressed solidarity with victims. The NFL relocated a 'wild card' game between the Vikings and the Rams from Inglewood to Glendale, Arizona, due to the flames. This disruption underscores how wildfires continue to impact even the most prominent sports organizations.
Organisers Express Gratitude and Concern
The Los Angeles 2028 Organising Committee addressed the ongoing disaster on social media, thanking firefighters, volunteers, and relief groups for their efforts. They also shared resources for victims, including the American Red Cross Los Angeles and Airbnb’s Emergency Housing Assistance program.
However, the fires have raised critical questions about the Games’ preparedness. With just over three years until the Olympic torch lights up Los Angeles, can organisers ensure the safety of venues in a region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires? Inside the Games reports that these challenges could reshape planning efforts and demand greater resilience measures to safeguard the event.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, the Los Angeles 2028 team remains optimistic, drawing on the city’s storied history of overcoming adversity. As flames continue to ravage the area, the resilience and determination of both the organisers and the city’s residents are being tested. If Los Angeles can channel its indomitable spirit, it may yet turn this tragedy into an opportunity to demonstrate the power of recovery and perseverance.