The West Coast is on fire. What’s happening?
Summary
More than 30 people have died in ongoing wildfires tearing through California, Oregon, and Washington.
-
The wildfires have devastated the region and displaced hundreds of thousands of area residents.
-
One of the fires in California was allegedly started by a smoke-generating device used for a gender reveal party.
-
Rumors flew last week that other fires in Oregon had been started by antifa activists; these rumors were proven to be false and Facebook pledged to remove content promoting the conspiracy as a result.
-
Focuses on the tremendous and senseless destruction and fear caused by the fires among Americans.
-
Highlights the environmental impact of the fires, like the low air quality that has arisen from smoke and particulate pollution as a result of the fires.
-
Reports heavily on the gender-reveal narrative, calling the parties a “trend that has spiraled out of control.”
-
Continues to speculate about arsonists being the source of the fires, and generally focuses on seeking blame for the devastation.
-
Highlights Trump’s response to the fires, which includes a trip to California to tour the destruction next week.
-
Undermines speculation that climate change contributed to the wildfires.
Return to Freespoke 
© Evelyn Torsher, 2020
