FBI and sheriffs warn that right-wing conspiracy theorists are spreading lies that Antifa started Oregon fires

No, anti-fascists have not been arrested in connection with wildfires ravaging Oregon, and public officials are asking people to stop spreading the various false rumors claiming this to be the case.

Some mainstream conservative pundits and a major police trade publication, as well as conspiracy theorists aligned with QAnon, have all promoted the false narrative about the historically destructive and deadly wildfires.

While investigators are looking into arson as the possible cause of at least one fire, authorities say there is no evidence to suggest the arson is politically motivated. Utility providers have said some fires may have been started by downed power lines during historic winds and heat. Red flag wildfire warnings have been in effect for the better part of a week.

People pushing the conspiracy theories have largely pointed to the Almeda fire, which Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara confirmed has spurred a criminal investigation. O’Meara said rumors claiming anti-fascists were involved are “100% false information.”

“Rumors spread just like wildfire and now our dispatchers and professional staff are being overrun with requests for information and inquiries on an UNTRUE rumor that Antifa members have been arrested for setting fires in Douglas County, Oregon,” the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted to Facebook Thursday morning. “THIS IS NOT TRUE!”

Law Enforcement Today, which says it is “America’s largest law enforcement owned and operated media outlet,” reported Thursday unnamed sources have told them the wildfires may be a “coordinated and planned” attack.

FBI spokesperson Beth Anne Steele refuted the claims when asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

“There is no indication that the fires are the result of coordinated criminal activity,” Steele said.

Conspiracy theorists have also pointed to a Molalla Police Department post on Facebook asking people to call 911 if they see suspicious activity after “a lot of rumors and posts,” going around about looters who may break into evacuated homes. The post was shared widely as supposed proof to back up the anti-fascist rumors.

But Molalla police edited the post at 2 a.m. Thursday to clarify that its warning of looters had no connection to anti-fascists. The department urged people to “stay calm and use common sense.”

[link to www.oregonlive.com (secure)]