"This has Maui written all over it" - DEW conspiracy theory erupts as internet reacts to wildfires breaking out across LA

Currently, Los Angeles County is experiencing multiple active and rapidly spreading wildfires such as the Palisades Fire, Lidia Fire, Woodley Fire, Hurst Fire, Eaton Fire, and the most recent Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills.

In the wake of this, several videos and images of the wildfires have gone viral. One of them showed a strange moving object appearing over the horrific blazes. This clip in particular has now sparked DEW (Direct Energy Weapons) conspiracy theories across social media and has drawn comparison to the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

For instance, X user @mS52680571 commented on vlogger In2ThinAir’s post by writing:

“This has Maui written all over it.”

Meanwhile, In2ThinAir’s tweet had a video explaining the aforementioned conspiracy theory with the lengthy caption:

“#BREAKING! WILDFIRE Sprayed by AREA 51 Military craft! *(SHARE THIS NOW!)* NO JOKE! This is one of the most important videos you'll EVER see! I’d LOVE someone to explain this! 2 MONTHS ago, during the Ventura Wildfires AREA 51 MILITARY Craft Dropped CHAFF over AREA 51 that then moved directly to the Area of the Wildfires!”

It continued:

“WHY is the Military in Area 51 Spraying CHAFF or whatever this is HUNDREDS of miles away and specifically making it flow RIGHT to the Wildfires. This was the SAME day these fires went insane as if an accelerant was used! For those of you who have seen this post, It HAD to be posted again - It's NEVER been more important than now.”

Many people joined the conversation and shared similar remarks across the platform concerning DEW allegedly causing the latest LA wildfires and their being similar to the Maui brushfires from two years ago.

“Same script, different location! How [heartbreak emoji] for those poor people,” a person wrote.

“Let's talk about Directed Energy Weapons. Do you now believe they’re using DEWs, or do you need more apocalyptic events to convince you?” one person asked.

“My Dad was retired navy and I know these are Direct Energy Weapons. Wake up folks but if you choose not that’s your problem,” wrote another.

Others continued to weigh in.

“CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES Conspiracy being discussed: Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) usage & cities just happen to be out of water Alternatives to consider: (1) It’s either criminal negligence via conspiracy by local & federal government Or (2) it’s just ‘a coincidence,’” a netizen wrote.

“Step one cancel insurance policies a year in advance Step two start wildfires and come thru with DEWs to take out infrastructure Step three PROFIT!” another netizen wrote.

“Obviously, it’s not natural fire, but let’s say it isn’t a directed energy weapon. You would literally have to fire it off on every single house making sure you don’t hit the tree and I just don’t get it,” an individual wrote.

“Yup, I knew it! We all did really… it’s Maui again,” wrote another.

It is important to note that there is no concrete evidence to support that the current Los Angeles wildfires were caused by DEWs.

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Conspiracy theorists claimed Maui wildfires were triggered by DEWs

In August 2023, parts of Hawaii, especially Maui and Lahaina experienced devastating wildfires. At the time, a conspiracy theory emerged that Direct Energy Weapons or laser beams were intentionally launched that reportedly caused explosions and eventually led to uncontrollable blazes.

It was also speculated by online conspiracy theorists that A-listers such as Oprah Winfrey who had properties across Maui, allegedly orchestrated the brushfires along with real estate developers and investors to allegedly grab lands from the residents.

Back then, another ensuing theory emerged that claimed not only did the DEWs cause the Maui wildfires but spared houses with blue-colored roofs and gates as direct energy weapon lasers were programmed to attack objects of varied wavelengths except the color blue. It was further fueled when images circulated online showing houses of celebrities that were painted blue remained unaffected by the blazes.

As per the conspiracy theories, the alleged goal was to take control over the world, destroy personal/ national identities, invalidate family structure, and establish world pride to ensure a one-world government.

Back then, no verifiable evidence to support the claims was found. Officials claimed that dry, drought-like conditions, strong winds, and Category 4 Hurricane Dora led to the Maui brushfires.

Likewise, the exact cause of the series of Los Angeles fires continues to remain unclear. However, authorities have mentioned that high-velocity winds such as the Santa Ana winds with 20 miles per hour speed were responsible for spreading the flames.

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At least five people have been reported to have died as many continue to be missing. More than 130,000 people have been displaced/ evacuated from their homes, while hundreds and thousands of acres were decimated. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California while President Joe Biden approved federal funds to help combat the crisis.