• A viral video shared by neuroscientist Andrew Huberman shows individuals allegedly setting fires in non-burning urban areas of Los Angeles, sparking outrage and speculation about arson exacerbating the wildfire crisis.
• The Palisades Fire, the largest of five active blazes, has consumed nearly 15,000 acres, destroyed over 2,000 structures, displaced 100,000 residents, and claimed at least five lives, with evacuation orders extending to iconic areas like Hollywood Boulevard.
• The video has drawn widespread attention, including a reaction from Elon Musk, and fueled debates about arson, resource mismanagement, and environmental policies, though authorities have not confirmed intentional acts.
• Firefighters are battling hurricane-force winds and multiple blazes, while the Los Angeles Fire Department urges vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity amid reports of looting and gridlock during evacuations.
• The crisis has reignited criticism of California’s leadership, with calls for Governor Gavin Newsom’s resignation and concerns about budget cuts and staffing shortages hindering firefighting efforts, as the region faces a long and difficult recovery.

As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles County, a shocking video has emerged, raising concerns about possible arson in Santa Monica. The footage, shared by celebrity podcaster and neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, shows individuals allegedly setting fires in urban areas not yet affected by the blazes. The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked widespread outrage and speculation, with many questioning whether human activity is exacerbating the crisis.

Huberman, a Los Angeles local, captured the incident at 302 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, just meters from where the Palisades Fire is raging out of control. In his post, Huberman wrote, “People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning areas of LA. We don’t need more flames out here.” The video, which has since gone viral, shows flames igniting trees and palm fronds, with Huberman urging viewers to report such activity to authorities immediately.

The Palisades Fire, the largest of five active blazes in the region, has already consumed nearly 15,000 acres and shows no signs of slowing. Combined with the Eaton, Hurst, and Lidia Fires, the infernos have left a trail of destruction, claiming at least five lives, destroying over 2,000 structures, and displacing more than 100,000 residents. Evacuation orders have been issued across Los Angeles County, including iconic areas like Hollywood Boulevard, home to the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl.

The video has drawn reactions from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, who commented, “Wow,” amplifying the post’s reach. Social media users have flooded the comments section with theories, with some blaming resource mismanagement and environmental policies for the crisis. Others have pointed to the possibility of arson as a contributing factor, though authorities have yet to confirm any intentional acts.

The Los Angeles Fire Department, already stretched thin by the scale of the disaster, has not officially responded to the video. However, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Meanwhile, the fires have overwhelmed emergency services, with firefighters battling not only the flames but also hurricane-force winds that have fueled the blazes’ rapid spread.

Disaster, tragedy, chaos

The crisis has also reignited debates about California’s leadership and policies. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have blamed Governor Gavin Newsom for what they describe as mismanagement and misplaced priorities. Trump recently called for Newsom’s resignation, stating, “This is all his fault!” Others have pointed to budget cuts and staffing shortages within the Los Angeles Fire Department, which have hampered its ability to respond effectively.

Adding to the chaos, reports of looting have emerged, with at least 20 arrests made in connection with thefts amid the evacuations. Dramatic images from the scene show a Bank of America branch engulfed in flames, while cars stack up in crucial chokepoints across Hollywood, creating gridlock as residents flee.

As the fires rage on, the human toll continues to mount. Families have lost homes, businesses have been reduced to ash, and the region’s iconic landmarks are under threat. The situation has drawn comparisons to a “Biblical” catastrophe, with some questioning whether California can recover from what feels like an unrelenting series of disasters.

For now, the focus remains on containing the fires and protecting lives. Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media. As the crisis unfolds, one thing is clear: the people of Los Angeles are facing a nightmare unlike any they’ve seen before, and the road to recovery will be long and arduous.

Sources include:

Revolver.news

NYPost.com

Tribune.com