But these fires have also led to wild conspiracy theories on the internet.
Some believe the fires were caused to protect P Diddy or to benefit billionaires. Others think they are part of a plan to build high-speed rail in California or create “15-minute cities.”
Los Angeles’ wildfires have killed at least 24 people and destroyed 12,000 properties in just one week.
Some conspiracy theorists claim the fires were started to protect P Diddy and his allies. The rapper has faced many accusations of abuse at his parties.
One theory is that the fires were meant to destroy evidence, including secret tunnels connected to his home, the Playboy Mansion, and Michael Jackson’s property.
While these claims lack evidence, they have fueled online discussions.
There are also claims that smart meters caused the fires by overheating lithium batteries and copper wiring in homes.
These wildfires have caused immense suffering, with families losing loved ones and homes. Even Hollywood stars have been affected, though some rumors suggest otherwise.
Strange lights in the sky over New Jersey last Christmas caused speculation about drones or UFOs. Some people now claim the LA wildfires were a distraction from these mysterious events.
Another theory is that the fires were caused by a “direct energy weapon” from space. Supporters point to palm trees surviving in areas where buildings burned, claiming this is evidence of a targeted attack.
Experts say palm trees are harder to burn because they have high moisture content, but many trees have also been destroyed in the fires.
Some claim that smart meters sparked fires by overheating lithium batteries and copper wiring, causing homes to burn from the inside.
Critics call this theory nonsense, explaining that smart meters use stable batteries and don’t directly connect to house meters.
Other rumors included AI-generated images of the Hollywood sign burning, though errors in the images gave them away.
Fire Department Chief Erik Scott said the spread of conspiracy theories wastes time and distracts from life-saving efforts.
Scott emphasized the need to focus on evacuation and fighting the fires, which have destroyed over 40,000 acres and 12,300 structures.
Another rumor suggested firefighters were using “women’s handbags” to fight the flames because equipment was sent to Ukraine.
This was debunked by the LA Fire Department, which explained that the so-called handbags are canvas bags commonly used to carry water for small fires.
