Los Angeles is engulfed in flames. With the Palisades fire wreaking havoc across the western region, the city is left grappling with unprecedented destruction. As more than 10,000 homes lie in ruins and over 53 square miles reduced to ash, doubts are mounting over LA’s capability to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. Amid such a scenario, experts and activists are voicing concerns, highlighting how the escalating wildfire crisis could turn the Games into a global fiasco.

The Palisades fire is just one of the major infernos tearing through the greater LA area. The Eaton Fire in Pasadena and the Kenneth Fire in Calabasas are compounding the crisis, destroying critical infrastructure and displacing thousands. Among the victims is Olympic legend Gary Hall Jr., who lost his home and Olympic medals to the flames. Amid this ghastly situation, the chaos has fueled another heated debate. And it’s surrounding LA’s ability to safely host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Wildfire devastation sparks calls to cancel LA 2028 Olympics

Conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk has joined Fox host Jesse Watters in urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to relocate the Games. Watters labeled the situation as “biblical-level destruction.” He called for drastic federal intervention, stating, “There’s no way we can showcase LA to the world. A full federal takeover is needed. Invoke the Stafford Act. The state’s overwhelmed. Martial law might have to be declared.” 

Echoing similar sentiments, Kirk declared, “The Los Angeles Olympics should be canceled. If you can’t fill a fire hydrant, you aren’t qualified to host the Olympics. Move them to Dallas or Miami so the world’s athletes can compete in a place capable of actually safely building and running something.” Their comments further reflect the growing public concern with LA’s preparedness and the risks of hosting a $6.8 billion mega-event amid worsening climate disasters.

Moreover, the financial stakes are immense! Wildfires in California are becoming more frequent and intense, with seven of the state’s largest fires occurring in July. Exactly the month when the 2028 Games are scheduled. AI models predict the cost of wildfire-related damages to Olympic venues could soar into the millions, potentially forcing last-minute relocations and triggering massive financial losses.

With the Palisades fire underscoring the city’s vulnerability, critics believe the Games are an avoidable risk. The rising flames have resorted to rupturing innumerable houses, affecting the lives of thousands. And the magnificent city is still grappling to curb the carnage caused by the raging inferno.

Gary Hall Jr. suffers major heartbreak following Palisades wildfire

10x Olympic medalist Gary Hall Jr. has been one of the biggest names in the US swimming fraternity. Unfortunately, he too could not escape the wrath of the ravaging wildfire. In a saddening update, Hall Jr. revealed that his entire house has been reduced to a pile of ashes. And what was more heart-wrenching was the fact that all of his 10 Olympic medals, too, were consumed by the raging fire. 

With the wildfire spreading rapidly, Hall Jr. only had limited time to evacuate his Southern California property. However, the swimmer managed to grab his grandfather’s painting, a religious wooden piece of his daughter Gigi, and his insulin. Accompanying him through all the chaos was his pet dog, Puddles. Posting a somber video of his destroyed property on Instagram, Hall Jr. compared the event worse than an apocalyptic event. 

Keeping in mind the cost of houses in the area ($750,000 to $800,000), the approximate loss of the Olympian is estimated at $1 million. With grief settling in, Hall Jr. stated that he would be moving out of his present residence and searching for a place elsewhere. The swimmer also confirmed that he will not be waiting for his current residence to be reinstated back to normalcy. 

After the news of Hall Jr. went out, his son, Charlie Hill, launched a GoFundMe campaign. Within hours, almost 287 people contributed generously, taking the amount to $53,068. Thankful for all the support, Hall Jr. took to GoFundMe and wrote, “As much as I am overwhelmed by the loss of all worldly possessions, home and business, I am overwhelmed by the love and support of so many reaching out through this difficult time.” As flames continue to engulf Los Angeles, the question remains, ‘Can the city prioritize safety over spectacle, or will the 2028 Olympics become a cautionary tale of ambition overshadowing reality?’