• Los Angeles wildfires have not damaged Olympic venues but complicate preparations for the 2028 Games.
• Rebuilding efforts coincide with upcoming international events like the World Cup and Super Bowl.
• The International Olympic Committee reaffirms support for Los Angeles amid recovery efforts.
• Resource strains are expected as the city balances rebuilding with hosting major events.
• Experts emphasize potential impacts on infrastructure and city priorities due to disasters.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The catastrophic wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have left a lasting impact on its landscape and the psyche of its residents. As the city gears up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, alongside the World Cup matches in 2026 and a Super Bowl in 2027, extensive rebuilding of housing and infrastructure is expected. Organizers marketed the Games as a no-build event, creating a stark irony in light of these developments. Fortunately, none of the Olympic venues have been directly affected by the fires, which have severely impacted areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Notably, the Riviera Country Club, set to host Olympic golf, found itself within the evacuation zone, while UCLA, planned as the athletes' village, was just outside it.

“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,” stated Paul Kerkorian, executive director of the city’s new Office of Major Events ([CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/wildfires-los-angeles-california-2028-olympic-games/)). In the aftermath of the fires igniting on January 7, major sports events were postponed or relocated, reflecting the situation’s seriousness.

The International Olympic Committee expressed solidarity with the people of Los Angeles, highlighting the crucial focus on combating the fires and protecting communities ([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-2028-olympics-c1ec8198091188968d79708351917fe5)). The selection of Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics for the third time, made in 2017, was lauded for prioritizing existing venues and sustainability. However, the games are projected to incur costs upwards of $6.9 billion for improvements that benefit the residents even after the events conclude. Significant projects include upgrades to the city's airport and enhancements to the transportation network.

Political science expert Dr. Matthew Brown has noted that the recent wildfires could potentially shift local, state, and federal funding priorities, which would be critical for both the Olympics and ongoing recovery efforts. “What happens then is those resources have to come from somewhere, and that means other things are not going to have resources,” he said. As the state continues to battle wildfires that have led to over 20 fatalities and destruction of more than 12,000 structures, the area’s air quality has been severely compromised, posing further public health challenges.

It remains uncertain how the city's recovery efforts will affect its notorious traffic congestion. With Mayor Karen Bass aiming for a “car-free” Olympics, specific transportation strategies for the anticipated influx of visitors have yet to be publicly detailed. The city’s recovery capacity will soon be put to the test as major events like the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and Paralympics approach within a span of three years. “With that continuing spirit of cooperation, we have no doubt that Los Angeles will be ready to welcome the world next year for the FIFA World Cup and in 2028 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” added Kerkorian.

Given its cinematic legacy, there's a sense of optimism that Los Angeles could shape a recovery narrative akin to a Hollywood comeback story. “The advantage LA has is there's always another place to do whatever it is you wanted to do,” Dr. Brown mentioned, alluding to the city's resilience and multifaceted nature ([AP News](https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfires-2028-olympics-c1ec8198091188968d79708351917fe5)).