As wildfires are raging in the Los Angeles area, social media is flooded with false information. On the X website, a user named Rat Bastard published a video that allegedly shows the Hollywood sign burning in the California fire. The video quickly gained popularity, but it turned out to be fake—it was most likely generated by artificial intelligence.
False Recording—what do we know?
The video published on X shows the Hollywood sign surrounded by flames. The author of the recording claims that this is proof that the Runyon Canyon fires have already reached one of the most famous Los Angeles icons. However, a website that streams live view from a camera pointed at the Hollywood sign shows no evidence of fire. The landmark remains intact, which clearly contradicts the narrative presented in the fake recording. (At the time of publishing, the live stream was unavailable, probably due to problems with electricity of the Internet connection in the region.)
Watch Duty, an app that provides current fire maps, was not informing about any fire threat to the Hollywood sign at the time of publication of the post.
Tribune denies the rumours
The renowned Tribune website also commented on the matter and firmly denied these reports in their article. On the basis of the images from live cameras and statements of local rescue services, the journalists clearly emphasised that the area surrounding the hill with the Hollywood sign is not currently threatened by fires. According to them, such fake recordings are a deliberate attempt to mislead people. Tribune reminds that it is extremely important to use reliable sources of information, especially in crisis situations.
Los Angeles fire – a devastating disaster for residents and a huge challenge for first responders
The current Hollywood Hills fires are a real tragedy for residents and a huge challenge for emergency services. The fire has already engulfed large areas of forest and suburban areas, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. The situation is difficult because weather conditions in Southern California—high temperatures, strong winds and drought—cause the fire to spread rapidly. Experts increasingly emphasise that one of the main reasons why such fires are becoming more frequent and more difficult to control is climate change.
Summary
The recording of the burning Hollywood sign is a perfect example of how technology can be used to spread disinformation. The video was quickly debunked thanks to available tools such as online camera footage and fire threat tracking apps. This made it possible to verify that the famous sign in South LA remains intact. So far, the raging Hollywood fires have not threatened the landmark.
Sources:
Watch Duty – https://app.watchduty.org/i/40469
Hollywood Sign Webcam – https://www.hollywoodsign.org/webcam
Tribune – https://tribune.com.pk/story/2521014/hollywood-sign-rumored-to-be-on-fire-as-los-angeles-wildfire-intensifies
Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/phildeluna/2025/01/08/5-reasons-why-the-los-angeles-wildfires-are-the-start-of-a-new-normal/
