Several Los Angeles Chargers players and staff had to evacuate their homes due to wildfires in California. Justin Herbert, the quarterback for the team, was among those evacuating.
Tom Pelissero, a reporter for NFL.com, broke the news. According to Pelissero, several members of the Chargers franchise were among 100,000 people that left their homes. The reporter said the team members had relocated to hotels. He also revealed there have been no changes to the upcoming game against the Broncos in Denver on Nov. 1.
“Several #Chargers staff and players, including QB Justin Herbert, are among over 100,000 people evacuated from their homes amidst the Southern California wildfires, per sources. Team assisting and everyone settled in hotels. No change to preparations for Sunday’s game at Denver.”
Wildfires Forced Thousands To Evacuate
According to CNN, officials ordered more than 100,000 people to evacuate their homes. Currently, the Silverado Fire and Blue Ridge Fire are burning across Orange County, California.
On Monday (Oct. 26), officials reported the Silverado Fire quadrupled in size. A power line may have started that blaze, CNN reported. So far both fires have scorched through more than 10,000 acres.
“(It) appears that a lashing wire attached to a telecommunications line may have contacted SCE’s power line above it, possibly starting the fire,” SCE spokesman Chris Abel told CNN.
More than 700 firefighters are working to contain the two blazes, according to officials. On Oct. 26, two firefighters became critically injured while trying to put out the fires. Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy said both men developed second and third-degree burns as a result.
“Our firefighters are some of the bravest in the world. This is a very hazardous job,” Fennessy told the outlet.
California has had a historic year for wildfires. Cal Fire has recorded around 8,000 fires in the state. So far, the fires have burned through more than 4 million acres and killed 31 people.
