Conspiracy theories about the LA wildfires, including one involving P Diddy, spark intense debate online among viewers.
Los Angeles wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed 12,000 properties within a week.
However, these fires have also ignited a wave of conspiracy theories on social media.
Claims range from political cover-ups to futuristic weapons and celebrity scandals. Below, we explore these theories and their origins.
Are wildfires protecting P Diddy and his allies?
Some theories suggest the fires are part of a scheme to protect rapper P Diddy.
Diddy faces over 100 allegations of sexual misconduct, including abuse and exploitation at infamous parties. Some claim fires were set to destroy evidence, including secret tunnels allegedly connecting his home to other properties.
Diddy’s Holmby Hills mansion remains untouched by the fires, despite being near the disaster zone. This has fueled speculation about celebrities on his “list” and their homes being spared.
Former official Catherine Austin Fitts amplified these claims, questioning patterns of destruction. However, no evidence supports these accusations.
Did drones distract from the wildfires?
Reports of mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey during the Christmas holiday have added fuel to conspiracy theories.
Some believe the government used the wildfires to divert attention from these unexplained drone appearances. Social media users have shared unverified accounts linking the two events.
Even Donald Trump, before leaving office, promised to reveal the truth about drones over New Jersey.
‘direct energy weapons’ and palm tree survival
One popular theory claims Los Angeles wildfires were caused by a “direct energy weapon.”
Proponents argue that palm trees surviving near destroyed homes and cars proves the use of targeted attacks. Videos showing unidentified objects flying during the fires have bolstered these claims.
Experts counter that palm trees often resist fire due to their high moisture content. Still, some believe this is a step toward creating a “15-minute city” urban model.
Smart meters blamed for fires
Some conspiracy theorists blame smart meters for starting fires in Los Angeles.
They allege that lithium-ion batteries in smart meters overheated and caused homes to ignite from within. Others suggest copper wiring failures contributed to the destruction.
Critics have dismissed these claims as baseless, arguing that smart meters are safe and unrelated to the fires.
Wildfires linked to california’s high-speed rail project
Another theory ties the wildfires to the proposed high-speed rail network in California.
Maps shared online compare fire locations to the planned rail route. Some believe the fires cleared land for development. Others argue the fires were a political move to halt the project.
Fact-checkers have debunked these maps, highlighting inaccuracies in scale and alignment.
Mel gibson’s comments on ‘convenient’ fires
Actor Mel Gibson has questioned whether the fires were deliberate.
In an interview, he speculated that conditions seemed too ideal for such widespread destruction. Gibson suggested the fires may have been “commissioned” to clear land for high-density housing.
These comments, while controversial, have fueled more discussions online.
Debunking wild theories: officials speak out
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Erik Scott addressed various conspiracy theories.
He clarified that firefighters were not using “women’s handbags” to combat fires, as some claimed. These bags are standard canvas tools for small-scale fires.
Scott emphasized that spreading misinformation hinders evacuation efforts. He urged the public to rely on credible sources during emergencies.
Los Angeles wildfires have devastated communities and sparked a wave of wild theories.
While these stories capture attention, they often lack evidence and distract from critical recovery efforts.
Experts and officials continue to debunk these claims, focusing on saving lives and restoring affected areas.