The LA wildfires, which killed at least 29 people, kept Full Fact’s online misinformation team busy in January.
In total, we published 11 fact checks about them, covering everything from suspected AI-generated images to miscaptioned videos from Chile, and delved into the science behind why wildfires sometimes leave cars burnt, but trees and utility poles intact.
We often see a rise in misinformation following natural disasters. You can help Full Fact provide certainty at these moments by signing up for a monthly donation.
Now the wildfires are fully contained, we look back at what we’ve learned from the experience.
As we always say, during unfolding global events it’s essential to consider whether what you see online is accurate, so you can avoid sharing misleading information.
We have written a number of guides to help, including on how to spot misleading images and videos. We’ve also created a toolkit to help identify misinformation, and written about how to spot AI-generated images and videos.
False claims are being widely shared online that the pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter involved in a fatal crash with an aeroplane above Washington DC was a trans woman named Jo Ellis.
Jo Ellis posted a video ‘proof of life’ statement to her Facebook page on 31 January, confirming she is alive and was not involved in the Washington DC air disaster.
