LOS ANGELES — The catastrophic wildfires that have swept through parts of Los Angeles have left profound effects on both the region’s environment and its residents.
As the city gears up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, alongside World Cup matches in 2026 and a Super Bowl in 2027, a significant rebuilding of housing and infrastructure is on the horizon. This situation feels particularly ironic as organizers had previously promoted the Olympics as a no-construction endeavor.
Despite the fires raging through parts of Pacific Palisades and Altadena—both areas facing evacuations—none of the venues intended for the Olympics have suffered damage. The Riviera Country Club, which is slated to host golf events during the Olympics, found itself near the flames and within the evacuation zone, while UCLA’s campus, to be used for athlete accommodation, stayed just outside of it.
Paul Kerkorian, executive director of the city’s Office of Major Events, stated, “While our focus remains on healing and rebuilding, there is no reason to believe that the fires will adversely impact or delay preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are already well underway.”
The impact of the fires has been immediate, prompting the NFL, NBA, and college basketball leagues to either relocate or delay some games following the onset of the flames on January 7. The situation is serious, as both major fires are still active, and thousands of individuals have been forced to evacuate.
In a show of support, the International Olympic Committee expressed solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and acknowledged the relentless efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel battling the blazes. The committee emphasized that immediate attention should be focused on extinguishing the fires and ensuring the safety of residents and property.
Los Angeles received the bid to host the 2028 Olympics for the third time in 2017, largely due to the IOC’s praise for its approach of utilizing existing and temporary venues rather than constructing new facilities for the Games. This commitment also extended to sustainability and financial prudence. Nevertheless, the anticipated costs for the Olympics are around $6.9 billion, earmarked for upgrades to transportation, facility improvements, and infrastructure projects aimed at providing lasting benefits to the community after the closing ceremonies. Significant projects include renovations at the city’s airport, expansions to the Metro public transit system, and enhancements to the downtown convention center.
The occurrence of large-scale disasters like this unforeseen wildfire was not accounted for when the proposals for these projects were made. Dr. Matthew Brown, a political science professor at the University of Utah with expertise in Olympic studies, remarked on how past events have drastically altered the context of the Games.
Examples include the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the Games being held in 2021 without any spectators. Similarly, Beijing proceeded with the 2022 Winter Games amidst strict public health measures and limited attendance. “Wildfires can significantly shift the focus and priorities of cities and potentially affect state and federal funding,” Dr. Brown said.
Recently, LA28 president and chairman Casey Wasserman met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss ongoing support for the Olympics. Wasserman highlighted the city’s need for continued backing amid the tragedies caused by the fires. “We also addressed the 2028 Games, and we appreciate his commitment and leadership in bringing the Summer Games back to the United States after over three decades,” Wasserman noted.
Los Angeles, with its history of natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides, faces numerous challenges. Currently, the wildfires have tragically claimed more than 20 lives, damaged over 12,000 structures, and significantly compromised air quality throughout the area.
Dr. Brown indicated that this disaster will inevitably strain resources across Los Angeles and California, affecting how the city allocates services in the upcoming years leading to the Olympics. “The impact on resource availability means that support for events may come from limited sources available in the community,” he explained.
The management of local resources will be crucial, given that U.S. Olympics rely heavily on state and local governments for emergency services and crowd management. “These essential services are not under the control of the local organizing committee,” he added.
It’s uncertain how these challenges will collide with Los Angeles’s existing traffic issues. Mayor Karen Bass has committed to a “car-free” Olympic experience, although detailed transport strategies for accommodating the immense crowds during the Games remain unclear.
The city’s resiliency will be further tested as it prepares for a swing of major events, including the World Cup, Super Bowl, and subsequently the Olympics and Paralympics, occurring in relatively quick succession. “Our partners across all government levels have shown a remarkable response to this tragedy,” Kerkorian commented. “We are optimistic that with this spirit of collaboration, Los Angeles will be ready to welcome the world for the upcoming events.”
Given its Hollywood heritage, it would be fitting for Los Angeles to craft a narrative of recovery that rivals those seen on the big screen. “The advantage LA has is that there’s always an alternative path to achieving any goal,” Dr. Brown noted. “That flexibility is something many other cities may struggle to replicate effectively.”