Los Angeles Wildfires Spark Conspiracy Theories

As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, misinformation has surged on social media, fueled by unusual patterns in the destruction, such as palm trees remaining untouched while homes burn. Conspiracy theories suggest these fires result from 'directed energy weapons' aimed at disrupting communities and implementing '15-minute cities', a concept misrepresented by alt-right groups. Experts debunk these theories, explaining that palm trees often survive wildfires due to their thick bark and moisture content, while emphasizing that many trees have also sustained significant damage. The fires have led to at least 16 fatalities and the evacuation of over 200,000 residents, with damages estimated between $135 billion and $150 billion. Amidst this chaos, Meta's decision to eliminate US-based fact-checkers has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation during crises. Critics argue that reducing fact-checking support is akin to disbanding emergency services in a disaster, as misinformation continues to complicate the narrative surrounding the wildfires.