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The AI-Driven Misinformation About Los Angeles Fires

Ahmed SabryAhmed Sabry
date
13th January 2025
Last update
date
11:45 am
14th January 2025
The AI-Driven Misinformation About Los Angeles Fires
AI-generated misinformation is rampant as LA burns

Videos created with artificial intelligence are being shared widely on social media after the wildfires in Los Angeles. While authentic images that accurately represent the situation are just as terrifying as those generated by AI, misleading videos circulate widely and can have misleading effects.

Fires in the Los Angeles area have reduced about 12,000 structures to ash and debris. 

The blazes began on January 12, 2025, fueled by gusts from the Santa Ana winds, which eased on Thursday. City and county officials in Los Angeles reported on Friday that the fires devastating the Palisades were 8% contained, while the fire in Altadena was only 3% contained. According to California fire officials, there are four active fires in the region.

The first fire to start on Tuesday and the largest in Palisades, has the potential to become one of the most destructive fires in California's history. It burned over 23,654 acres, including the affluent Pacific Palisades neighborhood, and was 11% contained as of Saturday evening.

Misbar examined several of the most viral claims and found them to be AI-Generated.

AI-Generated Video Misleads Social Media Users About Los Angeles Fires

Recently, a video allegedly depicting hills engulfed in flames in Los Angeles was widely shared on social media. 

A screenshot of AI content of Los Angeles fires

An investigation by Misbar's team revealed that this video is AI-generated. Upon closer examination, the AI-generated video can be identified by the unnatural movements of the cars depicted within it. 

Unlike real footage, where vehicle movements adhere to the laws of physics and human driving patterns, the cars in the video exhibit erratic and unrealistic behavior, such as abrupt stops and sudden accelerations that do not align with typical driving actions in response to a fire emergency.

A screenshot of AI content of Los Angeles fires

The original video was posted by an Instagram account known as “ai_creatiions,” which is recognized for producing AI-generated visual content.

A screenshot of AI content of Los Angeles fires

The account has posted several AI-generated videos depicting the Los Angeles fires.

A screenshot of the Instagram Account ai-creations
A screenshot of the Instagram Account ai-creations 

Misleading Drone Footage Purportedly Depicting Los Angeles Fires

A drone video showcasing a burning city was shared on X, with many users claiming that it depicts the recent fires in Los Angeles.

A screenshot of AI content of Los Angeles fires
A screenshot of the claim

Misbar's team found that the image was generated by artificial intelligence. A content analysis conducted on the 'Attestiv' website reveals a 99% likelihood that the image is AI-generated.

A screenshot of a graphDescription automatically generated
A screenshot of the AI-generated content analysis 

Furthermore, Misbar examined the video and identified several obvious glitches that indicate it was produced using artificial intelligence tools. 

The cars in the video consistently appear and disappear out of nowhere, demonstrating an unrealistic behavior that defies the normal patterns of movement observed in real traffic, highlighting the artificial nature of the footage.

A screenshot of AI content of Los Angeles fires

Recently, social media users widely shared videos purporting to show firefighters saving animals amid the California and Los Angeles wildfires.

A screenshot of the scene featuring a firefighter holding a dog
A screenshot of the scene featuring a firefighter holding a dog

In one of the videos, a firefighter is seen holding a dog, but it is evident that the animal is elevated without being physically supported. Shortly after, an abnormal-shaped finger unexpectedly appears in the frame. 

A screenshot of the scene featuring a firefighter holding a dog

A content analysis performed on the 'Attestiv' website indicates that some scenes from the video were likely generated by AI.

A screenshot of a computer screenDescription automatically generated

Social Media Image Misrepresented as Los Angeles Fire 

A recently surfaced image on social media platforms purports to depict a burning street in Los Angeles. 

A yellow sports car in front of palm trees and buildings on fireDescription automatically generated
A screenshot of the claim 

A reverse image search on the frames of the video led to an Instagram post published by a user named “thedizzyviper.” The user labeled the image as a 3D render.

A screenshot of a video gameDescription automatically generated

The Instagram account focuses on sharing images created using 3D rendering software. The bio indicates that the user is a 3D artist, and they have shared numerous 3D-rendered images.


In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, social media were inundated with AI-generated content

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