Hours after the Eaton fire first flared, the area around the Rose Bowl was converted into a staging area that nearly 4,000 first responders now call home.

The social media hype machine began buzzing late last week about the potential for another major winter storm to hit the Midwest. That storm is currently crossing the central Pacific, thousands of miles from St. Louis. Those graphics promising another big snowfall have been replaced by a big cold.

RELATED: New wildfire warnings issued, more power shut off as winds rise in Southern California Emergency crews have transformed the Rose Bowl from a stadium to a wildfire command center. Officials are preparing for yet another round of powerful winds,

On Wednesday, an evacuation warning was issued that includes the iconic Rose Bowl stadium, per Thomas Goldkamp of On3 . As the fire continued to sweep through the Los Angeles area, the Rose Bowl officials released an announcement on X on Thursday.

Firefighters Receive Hearty Support at the Rose Bowl Thanks to Oceanside Restaurant; Evaga Lounge staff delivered nearly 1,500 burritos Thursday to firefighter at the Rose Bowl

The historic Rose Bowl Stadium has become a refuge for displaced families and first responders as wildfires devastate the Los Angeles area. Drone footage from January 13