The Los Angeles Rams will conduct their NFL draft selections from the Los Angeles Fire Department's Air Operations base in Van Nuys in honor of the first responders who battled the deadly wildfires in Southern California earlier this year. The Rams are setting up their draft headquarters in a room at the Air Operations complex, with scouts and coaches occupying an adjacent hangar during the three-day draft. The team's partnership with the LAFD aims to express gratitude to the first responders who risk their lives daily to protect the city.
Amid the wildfires that impacted the region, the Rams are also renovating the recreation room at the Air Operations base and plan to meet with about 150 first responders during the draft. The team, which had to evacuate some personnel during the fires, has donated nearly $2 million to fire relief efforts and engaged in various initiatives to support those affected by the wildfires. The Rams' decision to host the draft at the LAFD Air Operations base underscores the vital role of the division in safeguarding Los Angeles, particularly during wildfire season, as acknowledged by interim fire chief Ronnie Villanueva.