Los Angeles wildfires: LA Rams NFL playoff game against Minnesota Vikings move to Arizona

The Los Angeles Rams were scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Tuesday. Photo / AFP

The Los Angeles Rams home playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings has been moved to Arizona due to raging wildfires in the city, the National Football League said on Friday.

“In the interest of public safety, [Wednesday’s] Vikings-Rams wild card game has been moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA to State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals,” the NFL said.

The league said the decision was made after consultation with public officials, clubs and the players union.

The venue switch came hours after the NBA postponed today’s scheduled home game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.

Rampaging fires in the California metropolis have left at least five people dead and destroyed entire neighbourhoods.

On Friday, the Rams practised outside under smoke-filled skies at their Woodland Hills training base.

“It’s one of those deals that almost doesn’t feel real, but it certainly is real to the people that are affected,” Rams coach Sean McVay said.

“You just see the amount of people that are affected and it’s one of those deals that it gives you perspective. Hopefully, they get this stuff under control.

“It has been a unique week. Fortunately for us, there have been some people that have been affected in regards to power outages, recommended evacuations — a couple of our staff members did have their homes affected — but fortunately to my knowledge, nobody has been injured. For that, we’re grateful.”

The Rams’ city rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, also practised outside ahead of their playoff game in Houston on Monday.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said his daughter Grace’s home was evacuated but the Chargers have remained “on mission” for their playoff matchup against the Texans.

“Heart goes out and abundant prayers to all those that have been affected by this tragedy.

“Just been inspired greatly by the first responders, the firefighters and the residents that have pulled together, had each other’s back.

“You see neighbours on top of houses helping fellow neighbours. It’s truly inspiring.”