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.