LOS ANGELES — The impact of the recent wildfires that swept through parts of Los Angeles has created lasting changes in both the environment and the emotional state of the residents.
As the city gears up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2026 World Cup matches, and the Super Bowl in 2027, there is an irony in the fact that rebuilding efforts for housing and infrastructure will be necessary after fires devastated various areas, despite organizers promising a no-build approach for the Olympic Games.
Fortunately, the ongoing fires, which have hit neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Altadena—situated near Pasadena in the San Gabriel Mountain foothills—have not damaged any Olympic venues.
Riviera Country Club, slated to be the site for Olympic golf, was within the evacuation radius due to the encroaching Palisades fire, while UCLA, intended as an athletes’ housing facility, was just outside of that zone.
Paul Kerkorian, the executive director of the newly established 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.”
In the wake of the fires that began on January 7, major sports events like NFL and NBA games were either relocated or postponed.
Both of the significant fires have yet to be contained, resulting in thousands of individuals being forced to evacuate.
The International Olympic Committee has expressed solidarity with Los Angeles, commending the relentless commitment of firefighters and first responders during this crisis. “Currently, the full focus must be on the fight against the fires and the protection of people and property,” they stated.
Los Angeles was awarded the 2028 Olympics in 2017, marking its third time hosting, after receiving accolades for its use of existing and temporary venues instead of constructing new ones, alongside a commitment to sustainability and financial prudence.
Despite this, the estimated cost for the Games itself is around $6.9 billion, intended to cover enhancements such as transport upgrades and facility renovations to benefit local residents even after the Olympic events conclude. Key projects include the modernization of the city’s airport, the Metro transportation system, and the downtown convention center.
When these projects were approved, the occurrence of widespread disasters in a city of this scale was not anticipated.
Matthew Burbank, a political science professor at the University of Utah who specializes in Olympic studies, remarked, “What’s happened in a number of recent Olympics is that external factors can drastically reshape what the Games involve.”
He pointed out that Tokyo delayed the 2020 Summer Olympics due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately held the games in 2021 without fans. Similarly, Beijing conducted the 2022 Winter Games with strict health protocols and limited audience attendance.
Burbank elaborated that incidents like wildfires can significantly shift priorities for cities and may influence funding decisions from both state and federal authorities.
To bolster support for the Olympic Games amid the ongoing crisis, LA28 president Casey Wasserman recently met with President-elect Donald Trump in Florida.
Wasserman expressed gratitude for Trump’s backing, stating, “As a lifelong Angeleno, I shared our sentiments for President-elect Trump’s continued support in Los Angeles amid the devastation in our region.”
Trump, a longtime advocate for sports, was president when Los Angeles was awarded the Summer Games. Wasserman reiterated their commitment to collaborate with Trump’s administration for a safe and successful Olympic event in 2028.
Los Angeles is no stranger to disasters, whether real or fictional, having faced wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, floods, droughts, and civil unrest that shaped the narrative of its residents, alongside Hollywood’s portrayal of destruction.
The current wildfires have claimed over 20 lives, destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, and significantly worsened air quality in the region, posing health risks.
Burbank believes that this disaster will strain resources available to the city, its neighboring areas, and the state of California. “The reality is what this is going to do is put a big strain on availability of resources from local and state agencies,” he stated.
He clarified that while the local organizing committee primarily finances the Olympics, local governments shoulder most responsibilities for police presence, fire protection, emergency services, and traffic management. “Those resources are under the jurisdiction of local entities, not the organizing committee,” Burbank noted.
It’s uncertain how the ongoing recovery process might influence LA’s notorious traffic issues. Mayor Karen Bass has made promises for a “car-free” Olympics, yet detailed transportation plans for this ambitious endeavor remain undisclosed.
As the region navigates its recovery, it will be tested when preparing to host a series of prominent events, including the World Cup, Super Bowl, and the Olympics in a three-year span.
“We’ve seen tremendous coordination and support from all levels of government in response to this tragedy,” Kerkorian acknowledged. “With that spirit of cooperation, we’re confident that Los Angeles will be ready to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup next year and for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.”
Given its dynamic nature and Hollywood influence, it’s no surprise if Los Angeles stages a remarkable comeback narrative. “LA has the unique advantage of being able to find alternative venues and solutions, something that might be more challenging for other cities,” Burbank concluded.
