Los Angeles wildfires: The truth behind the bizarre theories
From insurance companies to Sean Diddy, conspiracy theories about the LA wildfires are spreading like wildfire. But is there any truth in them?
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, as the world watches the horrific conditions in the United States’ most populous city. Strong wind gusts in the coming days could further complicate their efforts.
The fire, which is possibly the costliest fire in U.S. history, has already killed at least 24 people, displaced thousands, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and left 100,000 people, including top Hollywood celebrities, homeless. Have been forced to leave.
Although government agencies have not yet released official damage estimates, weather data and analysis firm AccuWeather estimates total damage and economic losses to be between $250 billion and $275 billion. GuardianMeanwhile, the cause of the fire is being investigated.
This uncertainty has made the crisis fertile ground for conspiracy theories. Despite the lack of credible evidence, these theories have gained popularity on social media, leading to widespread misinformation and distracting attention from ongoing firefighting efforts.
Conspiracy theories are floating around
Social media is awash with conspiracy theories suggesting there is more to the story. Videos and alleged “evidence” suggest this was a planned move rather than a by-product of climate change, but is it? President-elect Donald Trump blamed the Democratic Party, while Elon Musk blamed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. There are many claims, but are there enough reasons? Let’s find out:
Insurance cancellation a few months before ‘wildfire’
In the months before the devastating Los Angeles wildfires of January 2025, several major insurance companies, including State Farm (the insurance company), canceled the policies of many homeowners in high-risk areas such as Pacific Palisades. In July 2024, State Farm alone deleted approximately 1,600 policies in this area.
These cancellations just before the catastrophic fire left many residents without coverage, exacerbating the financial and emotional impact on affected homeowners. Besides State Farm, major insurers have reduced their coverage in California, and many others have followed suit.
This caused quite an uproar on social media, where they blamed the insurance company for causing the fire or at least being aware of it.
Watch some conspiracy theorists talk about their beliefs on fire:
What is the truth?
One of the main reasons for many insurance companies canceling their policies or failing to renew them is the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, leading to unsustainable losses. Companies like Allstate and Farmers Insurance Group have also reduced their presence in the state, citing increased risks and regulatory challenges.
California Department of Insurance data shows that between 2020 and 2022, 2.8 million homeowner policies were not renewed statewide, with more than 500,000 affected in Los Angeles County alone.
The Los Angeles wildfires are a recurring natural disaster, resulting from a combination of factors including dry weather, strong Santa Ana winds, and dense vegetation that acts as tinder. Over the past few years, these fires have caused widespread devastation, displacing thousands of residents, destroying homes, and threatening iconic neighborhoods.
State Farm said euronews green It is handling more than 5,700 home and vehicle claims related to the LA fires. A spokesperson says, “California’s insurance market is uniquely complex, but we are working with state officials to improve access to insurance for residents.”
Deliberate fire set for ‘Agenda 2030’ and smart city
In recent years, Los Angeles has pioneered the SmartLA 2028 initiative, which aims to enhance urban living through advanced technologies. The strategy focuses on improving infrastructure, transportation and public services to create more efficient and sustainable cities.
However, a conspiracy theory claims that the fires in California were deliberately set to free up land for smart city development under the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. Some social media posts suggest that Los Angeles is part of the World Economic Forum (WEF) smart cities list. These claims draw comparisons to the wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, indicating a connection between wildfires and smart city initiatives in these areas.
Another claim suggests that the fire was deliberately set as a part of a “criminal land grab” for the construction of a smart city.
What is the truth?
PolitiFact rejected these claims, confirming that Los Angeles is not on the WEF’s list, and that smart city development focuses on enhancing infrastructure, not destruction. Dry conditions and high winds are blamed for the fire, but there is no evidence to support the theory of a deliberate land grab.
As a part of the SmartLA 2028 initiative, it does not propose to rebuild the entire city, but instead add technology to improve the lives of its residents.
To cover up Shawn Diddy’s terrible crimes.
One particularly strange theory links the Los Angeles wildfires to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Speculation claims the fire may have been set to destroy evidence of alleged misconduct related to Diddy’s infamous meetings. Adding fuel to the intrigue is the fact that Diddy’s Holmby Hills mansion reportedly remained unscathed, even as neighboring properties suffered significant damage.
Diddy is facing many allegations of sexual misconduct.
Some theorists allege the existence of a so-called “Didi List”, which allegedly names celebrities who frequently attended his controversial programs.
There are also rumors that underground tunnels allegedly connect Diddy’s mansion to surrounding properties, including high-profile properties like the Playboy Mansion and Michael Jackson’s former home. It has been speculated that these tunnels have been used for illegal activities, although no reliable evidence has emerged to confirm their existence.
What is the truth?
This may sound juicy, but there is no evidence to support these claims. Although investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the fires, nothing has been found that could link the cause of these fires to the infamous music mogul.
