US rightwing fans misinformation fires as firefighters battle Los Angeles blazes
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A similar campaign of rumors and lies was seen after the North Caroline hurricane, with DEI being a primary target. As Los Angeles firefighters battle ongoing blazes, prominent rightwing figures are spreading bigoted criticism of the response and lies about who’s to blame, including that the fire is raging because of diversity within the fire department.
![[A plume of smoke from a wildfire forms over a city]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/11a9e93e813cbe7b7e9ae05379b1df4413922aee/84_112_5832_3888/master/5832.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The misinformation echoes the claims that plagued the North Carolina hurricane response. Both disasters led to righteous outrage that partisan actors seize upon to advance their political goals, muddying the already confusing information ecosystem that comes along with a fast-moving news event.
![[A woman looks through the remains of her home that was destroyed by a wildfire]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d725993f2cda62d99498d19ebb5314cdadae446d/0_0_4627_3085/master/4627.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
In what has become a common theme, rightwing media and commentary have said that diversity within the Los Angeles fire departmentis to blame for the devastation. “Meet Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley,” X account Libs of TikTok, known for spreading anti-LBGTQ+ rhetoric, posted. “She boasts about being the first female and LGBTQ fire chief in the LA Fire Department. Promoting a culture of DEI is her priority. Does this make you feel safer?” In another tweet,the same account, which has nearly 4 million followers, wrote: “DEI will get people k*lled. DEI must DIE.”.
Much of the misinformation also includes claims of mismanagement by the LA mayor Karen Bass and the California governor Gavin Newsom. The spread of rumors, misinformation and lies can hinder the ability of emergency responders to do their jobs and confuses residents who need accurate, up to date information to make choices to keep themselves safe. It also makes it more difficult for people to assess whether accountability is needed for their public officials when lies are commingled with valid criticisms.
