The NFL has prepared a contingency plan if the playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings can’t be played in California due to wildfires.

Five people have died, more than 100,000 structures have been destroyed, and more than 100,000 people have evacuated their homes due to the wildfires. The first blaze to break out in Pacific Palisades has become the most destructive in Los Angeles’ history.

The Los Angeles Kings postponed their NHL game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday due to the wildfires. That’s triggered fears the NFL playoff clash between the No. 4 Rams and No. 5 Vikings at SoFi Stadium on Monday may also be postponed.

The NFL has confirmed Monday’s game will go ahead, but it’s unclear at this stage whether it will be played at SoFi Stadium or elsewhere. The league is preparing to move the game to a new location, such as State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The NFL confirmed in a statement: “The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.

“We continue to prepare to play the Vikings-Rams game as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. As with all games, there are contingency plans in the event a change in location is needed. In this instance, the game would be played on Monday night at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ, if necessary.

The wildfires are causing significant damage

The wildfires are causing significant damage ( 

Image:

AP)

“We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA.”

The statement comes just hours after NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said: “The NFL continues to closely monitor developments and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA.”

The NFL playoffs start this weekend with the wild card round. In the NFC, the No. 6 Washington Commanders will travel to the No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles will host the No. 7 Green Bay Packers. Both games are on Sunday.

In the AFC, the No. 5 Los Angeles Charges will visit the No. 4 Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon before the No. 3 Baltimore Ravens welcomes the No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers in the day’s later game. The final AFC wild card game takes place on Sunday afternoon between the No. 2 Buffalo Bills and the No. 7 Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs (AFC) and Detroit Lions (NFC) will not play again until the divisional round after securing the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. The Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.