The Michigan men’s basketball team was fortunate to depart Los Angeles just before wildfires worsened in the region. Having played a game against UCLA on the evening of January 8, 2025, Michigan left the city shortly after midnight, flying back to Ann Arbor without encountering any significant disruptions. The timing of their departure proved crucial, as fires, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, escalated significantly after their departure.
Fires, including the massive Palisades and Eaton fires, had already begun in the coastal areas near UCLA and quickly spread to cover large swaths of land, prompting mass evacuations and power outages. By Wednesday afternoon, UCLA’s administration made the decision to scale back campus operations, including canceling undergraduate classes for the remainder of the week. The fires, which were less than 10 miles away from Pauley Pavilion, prompted concerns for safety, with Michigan coach Dusty May noting the awareness of friends and family in the affected areas.
Despite the growing danger, the game between Michigan and UCLA proceeded as scheduled, with the fires acknowledged before tip-off. While the fires created some uncertainty leading up to the game, Michigan’s swift exit from Los Angeles allowed them to avoid any potential fallout from the worsening conditions. The timing of the team’s departure was critical, as by Thursday, the fires had caused significant disruption across the region.
The Michigan team’s quick and uneventful exit highlights how sports teams can sometimes navigate external challenges like natural disasters, but it also underscores the growing risks posed by climate change and increasing fire hazards in certain areas, particularly during periods of dry conditions and high winds.
