![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/hawaii-wildfires-directed-energy-weapon-and-other-false-claims-go-viral/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/130799682_hi086904876.jpg&description=Image source, EPA Image caption, The fires have been the subject of false posts that have spread rapidly online False claims about the deadly wildfires in Hawaii - including that shadowy forces orchestrated the disaster with a laser beam - have gained traction online. The misleading posts come from a variety of sources and accounts, but generally imply that "elites" or government agencies deliberately started the fires. Some of the most popular theories are couched in questions about a "narrative" and make claims that alternative views are being "censored", despite collecting millions of views. While there are specific rumours circulating about Maui, they fit into a general pattern repeatedly seen after extreme weather events and natural disasters - politically motivated activists seeking to downplay the potential impact of climate change. Videos and images claiming that the wildfires were not a natural disaster - and were instead caused by a "directed energy weapon", a "laser beam" or explosion - have been viewed millions of times. One video viewed 10m times claims to show a large explosion in Maui just before the fires. Image source, X (TWITTER) But the video was originally a viral clip shared on TikTok in May showing a transformer explosion in Chile. Chilean TV network Chilevisión ran a report on the viral video , confirming the explosion was the result of a blown transformer caused by strong wind. An image of a church on fire in Hawaii has been viewed 9m times, with people claiming it shows a laser beam rising from the church into the sky. Image source, X (TWITTER) However, the image has been digitally altered. No laser beam or ray of light can be seen in the original Associated Press photo , which shows the Waiola Church in Lahaina in flames on 8 August. Two other false images have been racking up huge numbers of views. One shows a fireball and a bright streak of light rising up towards the night sky. It, too, has been accompanied by claims that wildfires are n){kind=link}
False claims about the deadly wildfires in Hawaii – including that shadowy forces orchestrated the disaster with a laser beam – have gained traction online.
The misleading posts come from a variety of sources and accounts, but generally imply that “elites” or government agencies deliberately started the fires.
Some of the most popular theories are couched in questions about a “narrative” and make claims that alternative views are being “censored”, despite collecting millions of views.
While there are specific rumours circulating about Maui, they fit into a general pattern repeatedly seen after extreme weather events and natural disasters – politically motivated activists seeking to downplay the potential impact of climate change.
Videos and images claiming that the wildfires were not a natural disaster – and were instead caused by a “directed energy weapon”, a “laser beam” or explosion – have been viewed millions of times.