LOS ANGELES — The wildfires that have swept through various areas of Los Angeles have caused significant destruction, leaving a profound impact on both the environment and the community’s mindset.
As the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, along with FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and a Super Bowl in 2027, there is a pressing need for extensive rebuilding of homes and infrastructure. This situation presents a stark irony, particularly because organizers previously promoted the Games as being a no-build initiative.
Fortunately, despite the raging fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena—areas that are currently subject to evacuation orders—no Olympic venues have sustained damage. The fire neared the Riviera Country Club, set to host the Olympic golf event, which fell within evacuation zones, while UCLA, the planned residence for athletes, remained just outside these zones.
According to Paul Kerkorian, who is the executive director of the newly formed Office of Major Events in Los Angeles, there is optimism regarding the continuity of preparations for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, stating that healing and rebuilding efforts remain a priority.
In the aftermath of the fires, various sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, and college basketball made adjustments by relocating or postponing scheduled games that were supposed to take place soon after the fires ignited on January 7. Thousands of individuals are still under evacuation orders as the fires are yet to be contained.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) conveyed its support to the citizens of Los Angeles, expressing admiration for the relentless efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel. The IOC underscored that the immediate focus should be on extinguishing the fires and safeguarding lives and property.
Los Angeles earned the opportunity to host the 2028 Olympic Games for a third time back in 2017, with the IOC applauding the organizers’ focus on utilizing existing venues rather than constructing new facilities specifically for the Games. This approach emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and financial prudence.
However, the estimated cost for the Olympics still hovers around $6.9 billion, aimed at enhancing transportation systems and improving facilities, which are expected to yield benefits for the local community long after the Olympic events conclude. Key initiatives include renovations to the city’s airport, expansion of the Metro system, and upgrades to the downtown convention center.
The onset of these wildfires was an unforeseen calamity when these large-scale projects were put into motion. Dr. Matthew Brown, a political science professor at the University of Utah, highlighted that unforeseen events like wildfires can significantly alter urban priorities and impact decision-making at various governmental levels regarding funding.
In recent years, the Olympics have faced disruption due to external forces. For instance, Tokyo’s 2020 Summer Olympics were postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and were ultimately held without spectators. Conversely, Beijing opted to host the 2022 Winter Games under strict pandemic protocols with limited audience attendance.
LA28 president Casey Wasserman recently met with President-elect Donald Trump to rally support amid the ongoing crisis. Wasserman conveyed his appreciation for Trump’s commitment to Los Angeles during this challenging time and expressed gratitude for his support in ensuring a successful 2028 Games.
Historically, Los Angeles has faced a variety of disasters, from wildfires to earthquakes and flooding; each leaves its mark on the city’s nearly 10 million residents. The ongoing wildfires have resulted in over 20 fatalities, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and have deteriorated the region’s air quality, leading to public health concerns.
Dr. Brown noted that the current crisis would likely impose a significant strain on available resources for recovery efforts across the city and surrounding areas, suggesting that this could redirect funding away from other essential services.
While the local organizing committee serves as the primary contributor to Olympic funding, major events in the U.S. also rely heavily on local and state government for critical services such as police, fire, and emergency response.
The effect of this disaster on Los Angeles’s notorious traffic congestion remains uncertain, as Mayor Karen Bass has declared a vision for a “car-free” Olympics, though detailed transportation plans are still pending.
The coming years will test the region’s resilience as it gears up to host the World Cup, Super Bowl, and the Olympics consecutively. Kerkorian highlighted the robust response from various levels of government united in support of recovery efforts, expressing confidence that Los Angeles would be prepared to welcome the global community in the coming years.
As the city combines Hollywood’s flair for storytelling with its indomitable spirit, many are hopeful for a remarkable recovery narrative that could rival anything seen on the silver screen. Dr. Brown concluded with optimism, stating that Los Angeles possesses unique qualities that could facilitate a successful resurgence in ways that other cities may find challenging.
