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The rundown on the most absurd pieces of misinformation about the California wildfires

1. Claim

As wildfires rage in Southern California, President-elect Trump posts on his platform, blaming Gov. Newsom.

“I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA!” pic.twitter.com/FS9GJb5ldw

— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) January 8, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom Refused to Sign "Water Restoration Declaration"

Debunk:

• No Document Exists: This "water restoration declaration" is as real as unicorns. Newsom's office debunked this myth, saying it's "pure fiction."
• Santa Ynez Reservoir: Here's where the real tea is - the Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades, with a capacity of 117 million gallons, was indeed offline for repairs. But not because of some environmentalist's whim; it had been closed since February 2024 for maintenance on its floating cover, which was necessary to comply with safe drinking water regulations. This reservoir wasn't full when the fires started, but it's not because of some mythical declaration. It was a scheduled repair that unfortunately coincided with the fires. Would it have helped? Maybe a bit with pressure, but experts like Martin Adams, former LADWP general manager, said it wouldn't have been the silver bullet some claim. The real issue was the overwhelming demand on the system, not a lack of available water.
• Water Availability: Despite the Santa Ynez situation, other reservoirs were at or above historical levels. The problem was local distribution, not statewide policy.

2. CLAIM : LAFD sent 'tons of gear' to Ukraine at the expense of protecting LA

Project Joint Guardian saw thousands of pounds of essential firefighting equipment sent from California to Ukraine

The most flagrant example of American last imaginable pic.twitter.com/shGh2K5fbn

— 🥖🎪 (@503i7) January 9, 2025

Example X Claim:

• "LAFD must have shipped all their gear to Ukraine, leaving California to burn!"

Debunk:

• Donation Details: They donated a few old pieces of equipment. It's like saying you can't bake because you gave away one egg.
• Ukraine's Offer: In a plot twist, Ukraine offered to send 150 firefighters to help California, not take away resources.
• Current Capability: The LAFD was still very much equipped to handle the fires with support from various levels of government.

3. Claim: Hollywood Sign Was Burning

🔥 'Hollywood burned down': HOLLYWOOD sign engulfed in flames in California fires

No, this isn't footage from the new apocalypse movie - this is Los Angeles today. #California#californiafires pic.twitter.com/mLltIzvt6h

— Mike Martin (@mike_martin91) January 11, 2025

Debunk:

• Image Verification: That "burning" image was AI-generated. The sign was as untouched as ever, just chilling in the hills.

4. Claim: DEI Initiatives Weakened LAFD's Wildfire Response

Example X Claim:

• "All this diversity training and no fire fighting? LAFD's priorities are all wrong!"

Debunk:

• LAFD's Strategic Plan: Because apparently, you can't be inclusive and effective at the same time. Spoiler: you can.
• Actual Cause of Hydrant Issues: It was the sheer demand from the fires, not some woke agenda, that caused the pressure issues.

5. Claim: Fires Were Politically Motivated Arson

Example X Claim:

• "These fires are MAGA's revenge on California liberalism. It's arson, not nature!"

Debunk:

• Investigations: Fire officials were quick to debunk this, pointing out that the causes were more about Mother Nature's mood swings than political vendettas.

This should make it crystal clear: while the Santa Ynez Reservoir's timing was unfortunate, the bulk of the misinformation around it and the fires is just that - misinformation. ---- If you wanna be all 'rage post dude' and upset that California votes democrat, there's LOTS of shit to point to and make fun of, but try for the stuff that's true. You don't need to make this stuff up. Which clearly, you tried super hard to do. #Fail.