LA Rams get ready to host 2025 NFL Draft at fire station honoring first responders from wildfires

The Los Angeles Rams know football fans from around the world will be tuning in to see the NFL draft Thursday night, so they've temporarily moved into one of LA's fire stations in Van Nuys to shine a spotlight on the first responders who fought the wildfires earlier this year.

Most people don't get to see the LA Fire Department's air operations, because firefighters are constantly moving aircraft in and out responding to emergency calls and taking part in training exercises. 

But on Draft night, football fans will get to see the inside of this hangar because it is where the Rams will be making their draft picks.   

"It's a big undertaking to pick up a draft and move it to a location that's fairly remote and much different than what we're used to," said Molly Higgins, Rams executive vice president of community impact.

Rams' executives thought holding the Draft at the fire station would be a way to honor the firefighters who battled the wildfires in January and to remind football fans that LA's recovery is just beginning. 

"I want them to realize that the Rams are more than just a football team, we are Los Angeles," Higgins said.

For the past few weeks, the fire department has been working with the Rams to make sure the Draft wouldn't interfere with their emergency duties. 

"It was really obviously important to the fire department to ensure we maintain operational readiness, that we respond with the same amount of time and urgency that we would for any 911 call," said LAFD Capt. Erik Scott.

As a "thank you," the Rams have made some behind-the-scenes improvements to the hangar, refurbishing the recreation room where pilots and firefighters rest between shifts and adding special Rams gear and mementos. 

Some of the custom art made by the Rams wasn't just created to look good for the Draft. It will be auctioned after, to raise money for the Fire Department Foundation. 

Special merchandise celebrating the Rams and the LAFD partnership will also be sold online to benefit the foundation and the American Red Cross. Firefighters hope the Draft will bring a little joy and hope to those most affected by the fires. 

"Just keeping this top of mind and reminding people that this is going to be a long recovery, but the Rams are going to be here to support you throughout this process," Higgins said.