Southern California fires reaction: UCLA HC Cori Close sends her "thoughts and prayers" on heartbreaking 'sacrifices' of firefighters

Cori Close's No. 1 UCLA Bruins will be back home in Los Angeles, California to face Northwestern and Penn State next week. However, the wildfires currently raging through the region have put a damper on the excitement of the home games.

A brush fire broke out in LA on Tuesday and has already destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate. The fire, fueled by strong winds, has scorched a significant area in Southern California, making firefighting efforts extremely difficult.

After the Bruins' victory at Purdue on Tuesday, Cori Close addressed the wildfires in her postgame comments.

"As we go back to Pauley, I would be remiss if I didn't just say my thoughts and prayers are with all of the firefighters and the people who are battling the fires in Southern California right now," Close said (10:31).

"To think about their sacrifice and the way they work to keep us safe is greatly appreciated. I'm sending my thoughts and prayers their way with deep appreciation for what they do."

LA Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said more than 250 firefighters are working hard to fight the fire in very tough conditions.

Erik Scott, a fire department spokesman, also reported that a 25-year-old female firefighter suffered a serious head injury while battling the blaze. The situation remains concerning.

Cori Close emphasizes preparation for East Coast winter conditions

After playing their upcoming two home games against Northwestern and Penn State, the UCLA Bruins will go for a trip to the East Coast for a marquee matchup with Baylor on Jan. 20 in Newark, New Jersey, followed by a game at Rutgers on Jan. 23. They will conclude their East Coast trip at Xfinity Center against Maryland before returning home.

Coach Cori Close shared insights on the team's long travel schedule during the postgame presser.

"We were fine. We had good equipment, and we got some new jackets right before this trip," she said about the trip to West Lafayette, Indiana (11:04).

"We do have an even longer one coming up to New York, New Jersey, and Maryland. We have three games on the East Coast coming up in about a week and a half, so we’ll be ready."

UCLA has gotten off to an undefeated start, stretching their winning streak to 16 games so far. However, the looming challenges of a tough travel schedule and the weather conditions at home will surely test the team's resilience and adaptability.