As wildfires continue to ravage California, social media is flooded with misinformation about their origins and impacts. DW investigates the most viral claims.

On January 8, massive fires erupted in Los Angeles, resulting in at least five fatalities, the destruction of hundreds of buildings, and the evacuation of over 130,000 residents. American entrepreneur John LeFevre posted on X, suggesting California fires weren’t being controlled because surplus fire equipment was sent to Ukraine.

The National Weather Service warns to “stay on guard for a fast-moving fire,” as winds may challenge containment efforts. Follow live updates on the Palisades, Eaton and other fires.

Some unexpected musicians are slated to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration next week, including some with long histories of beefing with the president-elect. So far, country singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood and disco group the Village People have agreed to perform at the forty-seventh president’s inaugural ceremony.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, has offered to deploy firemen from his nation to help put out the massive flames in California.

At least 24 people have died between the Eaton and Palisades fires and at least 16 people have been reported missing.

Spokespersons for Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President pro tem Mike McGuire, both Democrats, confirmed the funding will be in separate bills. It’s something Republican lawmakers – many of whom support additional wildfire aid but oppose the funding to fight Trump – pushed for in recent days.

The Los Angeles fires may have been a reignition of a blaze that began on New Year’s Eve due to residents setting off fireworks. An analysis by the Washington Post found that the blaze began on part of the Temescal Ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains, a place where an earlier fire had been ignited and put out.