A video circulating online depicts an individual on a vehicle igniting a fire in a forest, accompanied by claims that this person is responsible for the recent wildfire outbreaks in Los Angeles, California. However, this assertion is misleading. The video is not recent and has been available online since at least May 2024. The footage likely shows a prescribed burn, also known as a controlled burn, which is a regulated and intentional fire-setting practice used in forest management.
Sharing the video on X (Formerly Twitter) @MR_COOL77777 wrote, “This mysterious man set fire to America??????” (Translated from Hindi). The post has received more than 300 views and a significant number of engagements.
तो अमेरिका में आग इस रहस्यमय इंसान ने लगाई??????👇 pic.twitter.com/ZNnhZnNmV8
— Mr,CooL (@MR_COOL77777) January 12, 2025
Several other users and Influencers have also disseminated the video and made similar claims. Their posts can be seen here, @whogyanendra_, @khustarnoorani7.
The truth about the video of wildfires in California, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the video and claims came to our notice. Subsequently, we conducted research and analysis of the video. We found that the video was old and unrelated to the wildfires in California.
To verify the claims made by the users. We performed a reverse image search of some key frames from the viral video using Google Lens. This led us to previous posts containing the video uploaded in May 2024. Furthermore, the footage likely shows a prescribed burn (1, 2), also known as a controlled burn, which is a regulated and intentional fire-setting practice used in forest management. These burns are conducted under strict conditions to achieve specific ecological or safety objectives, such as reducing wildfire risks or promoting forest health.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the video was old and unrelated to the recent devastating wildfires in California.
2842
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 13, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: A video showing an individual on a vehicle setting fire to a forest is being shared with the claim that this mysterious person is responsible for the recent wildfire disasters in Los Angeles, California. However, this claim is misleading. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/M0fYrPjy4r
Intent
Influencers are circulating old videos with misleading claims to set their narrative over the recent wildfires in California, USA.
Conclusion
Claim– The video depicts the mysterious person igniting fire who was responsible for the recent devastating wildfires in California.
Fact– This is an old video and has been available online since at least May 2024. Nothing to do with the recent wildfires in California.
