California Wildfires Claim 24 Lives as Misinformation Spreads

False claims about water shortages, firefighting resources, and state policies cloud the response to devastating wildfires in southern California.

The wildfires in southern California have killed at least 24 people, destroyed thousands of structures, and burned an area larger than San Francisco.
Experts refute claims by President-elect Donald Trump that California's water policies caused hydrants to run dry, citing localized water demand as the issue.
Governor Gavin Newsom's office denies the existence of a so-called 'water restoration declaration,' a document Trump falsely claimed Newsom refused to sign.
Social media posts alleging that diversity initiatives hindered firefighting efforts lack evidence, with experts pointing instead to budget cuts and staffing shortages.
Viral images and videos, including AI-generated content, have contributed to widespread misinformation about the fires, further complicating public understanding.