Wildfires have ravaged forest and grassland areas of Canada and the United States in previous years, with climate change and global warming being blamed by climate scientists as the main contributors to fire growth and spread. The wildfires, which include bushfires and forest fires, have devastated not only natural animal habitats but also rural and urban communities.
Now, multiple reports indicate that conspiracy theories have linked natural disasters with human activities, including intentional arson, and even the planned establishment of 'smart cities.' Although some wildfires in the past were caused by humans, the emerging disinformation on social media is reportedly advocating a false narrative.
In recent years, the North American wildfires have reached unprecedented frequencies and intensity in terms of total burnt area, damage, and even casualties. The Canadian and U.S. wildfires are most active during the summer season from June to August.
Mostly fueled by high temperatures and dry conditions, wildfires have long been thought to be disasters that are part of nature. However, related events in the past show that humans may also cause them. Yet, experts point out there is no evidence of a large-scale human plan that caused the said blaze, including the recent Maui wildfires in Hawaii.
Wildfire Conspiracy Theories
The conspiracy theories posted across social media indicate that coordinated arson, the use of lasers, and intentional clearing of lands to develop smart cities are behind the wildfires, according to reports.
In the case of the Maui wildfires, which killed at least 115 people, the baseless claims said that only blue items survived during the blaze since lasers do not affect the said color. This suggests that the Hawaiian island was hit directly by an energy weapon attack, which a report disputes.
Based on reported videos and photos uploaded on social media, the aftermath of the Maui wildfires shows that other structures like buildings and small objects of varying colors both survived and were destroyed by the fire in August 2023.
Meanwhile, the plan to make smart cities was allegedly behind the recent wildfires, the reports add.
Although some of the conspiracy videos about the North American wildfires have been deleted already, a copy of them has still circulated on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly called Twitter.
Also Read: Europe's Destructive Wildfires Equivalent to One-Fifth of Belgium in Size
North American Wildfires
According to Canada's National Forestry Database, there is a total of more than 8,000 fires that occur across the country each year and engulf an average of 2.1 million hectares. The database also highlights that lightning strikes are responsible for 50% of the fires.
In the U.S., the National Interagency Fire Center shows the occurrence of wildfires from 1983 to 2022 range approximately between 18,000 and 68,000, based on data cited from the National Interagency Coordination Center. In March 2022, the National Park Service clarifies that almost 85% of "wildland fires" across the U.S. are caused by humans.
Related Article: Canada's Wildfires Expose People To Secondhand Smoke; Experts To Check Content of Fumes
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