Los Angeles residents are grappling with grief and anger as they search for answers and those responsible for the devastation caused by the wildfires.
On January 8, actor Henry Winkler, best known for playing “The Fonz” in Happy Days, quickly voiced his suspicions, sparking a viral debate by suggesting that arson was behind the disaster.
“There is an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” Winkler wrote on X, with his post quickly gaining traction, amassing over 1.9 million views at the time of writing.
While some internet users supported Henry Winkler’s theory, others dismissed it as the “ramblings of an old man.” However, newly released video footage suggests the actor may have been right.
Henry Winkler blamed the Los Angeles wildfires on arsonists, and later footage appears to support his theory.
“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA,” read a viral clip that quickly surpassed Winkler’s post, accumulating over 6.5 million views.
The video shows multiple individuals throwing combustible objects into a growing fire in Santa Monica, California, while shocked onlookers watch as the flames intensify and threaten to engulf nearby trees.
People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen first hand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here.
“Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here,” a retweet wrote.
Recent video footage highlights the complexity of the wildfires spreading across Los Angeles, suggesting multiple causes behind the disaster. While some fires were attributed to natural factors, others appear to have been intentionally set, raising concerns about individuals using the chaos to create further destruction.
One user expressed their frustration online, writing, “Disgusting. It feels like LA is under attack right now. Fires are everywhere. Stay safe!”
The wildfires have left a trail of destruction, burning down at least 1,100 homes and forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate.
According to Los Angeles County officials, strong winds and dry conditions fueled the fires, which ignited on Tuesday, January 7. At least five people have lost their lives, and authorities describe the devastation as both “terrifying” and “unprecedented.”
The wildfires have been concentrated in five primary areas:
Palisades (17,234 acres burned), Eaton (10,000 acres burned), Hurst, Sunset and Lidia
The Palisades fire has been labeled the “most destructive” wildfire in Los Angeles history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
As flames tore through their neighborhoods, nearly **100,000 residents** were forced to evacuate, leaving behind their homes and cherished belongings. Officials have reported “significant” injuries, though exact figures have not yet been disclosed.
Authorities attribute the disaster to “weather whiplash” a dangerous combination of prolonged dryness and intense winds that rapidly spread the flames across the region.
According to a preliminary report by insurance analysts at J.P. Morgan, the wildfires could result in damages of up to $10 billion, making them comparable to the 2018 Camp Fire, California’s deadliest wildfire in history.
The 2018 Camp Fire devastated over 13,000 acres, caused an estimated $15 billionin losses, and tragically claimed the lives of 85 people.
the wind in LA is INSANE rn…
According to the National Weather Service, the wildfires were triggered by the state’s recent “weather whiplash,” a cycle of alternating drought and intense rainfall. Strong winds have further fueled the spread of the fires across California.
Red flag warnings will remain in effect through Friday, December 10. Anthony Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Chief, has urged residents to prioritize their health and safety during this challenging time.
The police and fire departments have responded and likely apprehended the arsonists. However, no further details regarding their identities or motives have been disclosed.
Meanwhile, netizens reacted with shock to videos of the arsonists escalating the chaos, demanding their swift prosecution.
People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen first hand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here.
“Arrest them all immediately!” one user demanded. “This feels like a third-world country.”
“Did anyone catch the name of the person setting the fire? We need to know!” another asked.
“I can’t believe this. My heart is broken,” one netizen wrote. “This is pure evil.”
“What’s the motive behind these arsonists? What are they trying to accomplish?” another questioned.
“There’s a more than 99% chance bad actors are exploiting the chaos,” one speculated.
“Vile and disgusting,” another remarked. The footage led many to question whether the fires were entirely natural, with growing suspicions that arsonists played a role.
