The wildfires in Butte County, about 230 miles northeast of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, have impacted so many lives. It has become the most destructive individual wildfire in California's history.
The San Francisco 49ers' home game against the New York Giants will go on as scheduled despite the concerns over poor air quality from the blaze. The air quality index in the area was at 120 as of Monday morning, which is well below the 200-API level that would force the NFL to consider a change.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. PT.
The 49ers had to move up the start time of Friday's practice and shorten the session because of the unhealthy conditions.
"It affected us because when we changed the practice time we had to cut stuff out," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Friday's session. "So, we cut about half of our walkthrough out, a number of plays out. We were afraid the air quality was going to get worse as the day went, so we cut out some of our individual time, routes on air, things like that and just tried to get to the plays. It didn't change the schedule a ton, but definitely made it a little different."
Parking lots at @LevisStadium open at 1:45 p.m. on Monday for #49ers vs. #NYGiants. Faithful Mile and premium gates open at 2:15 p.m. All gates to the stadium open at 3:15 p.m.
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) November 9, 2018
Shanahan understood that Monday night's game might have been impacted.
"It's affected a ton of people on our team, I know everyone through California," he continued. "Obviously our prayers go out to all those people because that is probably the most important thing going on in our country right now, that we've got to get that fixed because it's scary and it's a real deal."
One of those affected is 49ers assistant strength and conditioning coach Shane Wallen, who is from Paradise, California, a town devastated by the fires. Wallen set up a GoFundMe page requesting donations to be used to help the residents of his hometown.
This place was home for me growing up, and until yesterday, it's where my dad called home for the last 20 years. These people need your help.
— Shane Wallen (@swallen20) November 9, 2018
Donate or share, anything and everything helps. ❤️
Paradise, we've got you! https://t.co/8nLv87lc5o
Several 49ers players have donated to Wallen's fundraiser.
"I saw him on the field for the first time today," Shanahan said on Saturday while discussing Wallen. "There's not a lot you can say. I just told him we're glad his parents are alright. You lose a house, it's a big deal, as everyone knows. Fortunately, they're okay."
Jay Moore, a contributor for our friends over at 49ers Hub, also lost his home to the fires. A separate fundraiser has been set up on his behalf.
Our friend and brother @Jay_Moore49 and his family have lost all their possessions.
But they haven't lost us.
Let's help show the #Faithful spirit and donate to help them this holiday season. Any little bit is very appreciated. https://t.co/hJktCTizE0
— 49ers HUB (@49ersHub) November 10, 2018
In response to the wildfires, the 49ers announced on Monday that the team has named North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) as the new recipient of the proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle during Monday's game. The 49ers will provide a dollar-for-dollar match to all contributions.
The SEAL Family Foundation was initially supposed to be the recipient of the money earned from Monday night's raffle. The 49ers are donating $50,000 to the foundation for accommodating the change.
