As Los Angeles grapples with devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 24 lives and destroyed over 12,000 properties within a week, a storm of conspiracy theories has erupted online. From claims of cover-ups involving celebrities to allegations of deliberate arson for development, social media has become a hub for speculation and misinformation.

Claims of celebrity cover-ups and hidden tunnels

One theory gaining traction links the fires to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Former government official Catherine Austin Fitts speculated on her podcast that the fires were set intentionally to protect individuals allegedly tied to Diddy amid unverified allegations. Fitts questioned, “How many of the homeowners were on the Diddy list?” referring to a purported group linked to the rapper’s controversial gatherings.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Diddy’s mansion in Holmby Hills reportedly escaped the flames, raising suspicions among conspiracy theorists. Some have even suggested the fires were meant to destroy a network of underground tunnels allegedly connecting high-profile properties across California, a claim widely debunked by experts.

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Bizarre theories about drones and high-speed rail

Other outlandish theories include connections between the fires and mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey. Social media users speculated the drone activity was a diversion, with one commenter asking, “Did anyone notice they stopped flying drones in New Jersey so we can focus on other disasters like the California wildfires?”

Another persistent claim ties the wildfires to California’s high-speed rail network. Internet users have circulated inaccurate maps suggesting the fires align with proposed rail routes, alleging a land-clearance agenda. Experts, however, have discredited these maps as neither to scale nor reflective of actual conditions.

Actor Mel Gibson has also joined the conversation, questioning whether the fires were orchestrated for redevelopment purposes. Speaking to Fox News, he described the conditions as “convenient,” comparing the blazes to historical examples of forced displacement.

Direct energy weapons and other outlandish claims

Perhaps the most far-fetched theory involves allegations of “direct energy weapons” causing the fires. Proponents point to surviving palm trees near burned structures as supposed evidence, despite experts explaining that the trees’ high moisture content makes them more resistant to fire.

Another bizarre claim suggests firefighters are combating the flames with “women’s handbags” filled with water, a notion that originated from a video shared by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

Officials urge focus on facts

Amid the chaos of misinformation, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Erik Scott has urged the public to rely on credible sources. “We don’t want all of that noise getting to the public,” Scott said. “We want to get them signal that is going to help them evacuate and potentially save lives.”

The real impact of the fires

The wildfires have scorched over 40,000 acres, displacing tens of thousands of residents and leaving countless communities in ruins. As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, the spread of baseless conspiracy theories adds yet another challenge to an already dire situation.