2025 has begun along some very cruel, testing times. The Pacific coast and its unassuming people are overwhelmed by a sudden turmoil. Two separate wildfires in and around Los Angeles have, in conjunction, caused mass devastation. Homes have burnt to the ground, and people have had to be evacuated. The firefighters’ efforts have been rendered inadequate as demand exceeds supply. Air support, too, has proven futile owing to high winds along the coastline. Just utter abomination, mere days after the tragedy down in New Orleans. No respite whatsoever.

The primary area affected by one fire, the Pacific Palisades, is in close proximity to a bunch of celebrities’ houses. As such, a lot of public figures or those adjacent to that have permeated concern and prayers. Not that the particular area’s inhabitants had any bearing on the outpouring of love. The CFB realm has also followed suit, with the likes of Kirk Herbstreit praying for this to pass by the City of Angels without further destruction. At least 2 individuals have succumbed to the wildfire already.

Now departing Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel and his fiancee Zo Caswell were also affected rather directly. With Dillon’s season just coming to an end in a loss at the Rose Bowl, the pair seemingly stayed around in Cali to recuperate. Dillon Gabriel is now NFL-bound and has nothing imminent on his plate. As such, him and Zo Caswell being in the vicinity enjoying some downtime makes sense. Although neither will have foreseen what transpired.

Zo Caswell was posted up in Newport Beach concurrent with when this wildfire broke out, as per her IG activity. In the wake of the news, she took to the same platform to share a simple yet resounding bit of imagery. Zo posted an emoji of a breaking heart alongside a picture of a fireman hosing a house engulfed in flames. The lone fireman’s efforts are begrudgingly going in vain. Such is the sheer magnitude of this catastrophe.

Almost 24 hours on, the wildfire is still rampant. It’s all hands on deck, with help being pulled in from wherever it’s available. The resources are still proving a hindrance. With this blanketing terrain in and around LA county, a historic CFB staple, in fact, a historic American staple, is seemingly under threat as well.

A mere week after hosting Dillon Gabriel, the Rose Bowl is under duress

The aforementioned Rose Bowl, located in nearby Pasadena, is not averse to the danger. In the backwash of the Eaten Fire breaking out, the stadium is being evacuated. This came after it fell into the warning zone issued by the authorities. Cast your mind back to a week ago, when this 90,000 seater was brimming to the cusp with buoyant fans from across the country. It’s now a ghost town. 

This fire has broken about merely 4 miles to the northeast of the Rose Bowl. For College Football fans, It’s unfathomable to even consider this place of pilgrimage being affected in any capacity. However, that remains a looming possibility. Efforts on all fronts are being actively made to avoid that. The Rose Bowl is indeed under heavy monitoring. A stadium that has hosted 5 Super Bowls and is about to host the biggest sporting event in the world next year- The FIFA World Cup final.

Prayers are up for this calamity to quell soon enough. That IG post of Zo Caswell contains some very strong imagery displaying her sentiments. Dillon Gabriel has garnered interest from an NFL franchise in the vicinity as well. Hoping for the safety of everyone caught in the midst of this, as well as the support of those who can provide some in any capacity whatsoever.