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EVACUATED: In Oregon, about 500,000 have been evacuated. Photo: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS
On social media, rumors are spreading that it is anti-fascist activists who have started the forest fires, like the fire in dry grass. Now the FBI is cracking down on the rumors.
Massive wildfires on the west coast of the United States continue to spread, approaching Portland in Oregon, where demonstrations following the police murder of George Floyd this spring were most intense.
Left-wing protesters and right-wing counter-protesters have met on several occasions in violent clashes. Now the same political dividing lines are creating confusion and misinformation about the deadly wildfires.
– The Portland FBI and local law enforcement authorities have received reports that extremists are responsible for starting wildfires in Oregon. With our state and local partners, the FBI has investigated several of those allegations and found them to be false, says the FBI’s Loren Cannon in Twitter.
“Conspiracy theories and misinformation take valuable resources from local firefighters and police, who work around the clock to control these fires,” he added.
– 100% false information
According to The New York Times, the rumors began after Portland police warned on Twitter about the risk of fire during the demonstrations.
– One thing I can say is that the rumor that the fire was started by Antifa (anti-fascist group, journaln.anm.), Is 100 percent false information, said police chief Tighe O’Meara.
DEMONSTRATIONS: Antifa members stand with shields and paintball guns in Salem, Oregon. Photo: CENA ALLISON / AFP
The rumors have been shared, among other things, by the conspiratorial right-wing Qanon movement, which claims, among other things, that “a worldwide child prostitution ring run by Satanic worshipers from the Democratic Party and Hollywood is seeking to overthrow the Trump presidency. “.
Douglas, Oregon police are also cracking down on the rumors.
– Do you remember when we said that we only follow official sources? Remember when we said that rumors only make this difficult situation more difficult? Rumors are spreading as fast as the fires, now the emergency number is overloaded with people wanting information about the false rumors that six members of Antifa have been arrested for starting fires. It is not true. Unfortunately, people spread rumors like this and create problems. Take your share of responsibility, stop spreading rumors, they write on Facebook.
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Fire tragedy experienced in 2018: – It seems to happen again
Four dead – several missing
In recent days, around 40,000 have been evacuated, but up to 500,000 are in an evacuation zone. So far, four people have been confirmed dead, while several people have not been counted.
– Many are suffering now, while one must see our beautiful state burn. Right now there are reports that several dozen people are missing as a result of the fires, Gov. Kate Brown said at a news conference on Friday.
– We are preparing for mass deaths, based on what we know and the number of buildings that have been lost, said Andrew Phelps, Oregon director of crisis and emergency services, according to NTB.
In addition, Governor Brown stated that the weather forecast is positive, while also warning against smoke in the air.
– Right now we have the worst air quality in the world. If you are in an area with a lot of smoke and ash, you should limit your physical activities and stay indoors with the doors and windows closed.
According to Reuters, a total of 24 people have lost their lives since early August, as a result of wildfires in the states of California, Oregon and Washington.
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