On January 7, 2025, actor Henry Winkler sparked heated debate with a viral post on X:
“There is an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!”
The post, which amassed over 1.9 million views, divided netizens. Some supported Winkler, expressing outrage over potential arson, while others dismissed his claim as baseless. “He’s voicing what we all feel,” one supporter wrote, while critics labeled the post “inflammatory speculation.”
The controversy escalated when new video evidence surfaced, showing individuals throwing flammable items into a fire in Santa Monica. Captioned, “People are lighting fires in non-burning urban areas of LA,” the clip has garnered over 6.5 million views, reigniting the debate. Passersby watched in shock as the flames threatened nearby trees, intensifying fears of intentional fire-setting.
“Stay safe and report suspicious activity,” a retweet urged.
Winkler’s remarks and the viral footage have highlighted the growing tension around the wildfire crisis. LA has faced unprecedented destruction, with tens of thousands of acres burned and multiple fires still raging. While some see the video as validation of Winkler’s claims, others urge caution, emphasizing the need for verified evidence.
The situation underscores the urgent need for vigilance, unity, and effective wildfire prevention measures as California continues to battle devastating blazes.
“Disgusting” Arsonists Caught On Camera During LA Wildfires, Henry Winkler’s Theory Gains Ground
The sadness and anger caused by the Los Angeles wildfires have led its inhabitants to search for answers, as well as for the culprits to blame for the devastation.
Actor Henry Winkler, known for his role as “The Fonz” on the sitcom Happy Days, was eager to answer the question and sparked a viral conversation yesterday (January 8) when he shared his belief that the disaster was caused by an arsonist.
Highlights
Henry Winkler, the beloved actor behind ‘The Fonz’, shared his belief that LA wildfires were caused by arsonists.
While people initially doubted him, video evidence surfaced showing people lighting fires in non-burning LA areas.
Wildfires have destroyed 1,100 homes and forced at least 100,000 evacuations.
Arson videos went viral, netizens demanded legal action against the culprits.
“There is an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” the actor wrote on X, with the post going viral with more than 1.9 million views at the time of writing.
Winkler’s theory caused netizens to argue in the comment section, with one side supporting his idea and the other dismissing it as the “ramblings of an old man.” However, new video evidence shared earlier today could prove the actor right.
ctor Henry Winkler blamed the Los Angeles wildfires on arsonists, with later clips adding credence to his theory
“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA,” the viral clip read, which surpassed Winkler’s tweet with more than 6.5 million views combined.
In the video, a number of people are seen throwing flammable items into a massive fire in Santa Monica, California, with passersby looking in disbelief as the flames increase in size, threatening to light a couple of tall trees in the area.
“Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here,” a retweet wrote.
Image credits: Kyle Grillot/Getty Images
The clips served as evidence of the complex nature of the fires happening all around Los Angeles, which seem to have more than one cause. Certain citizens took advantage of the chaos to spread further mayhem for unknown reasons.
“Disgusting. It feels like LA is under attack right now. Fires are everywhere. Stay safe!” a user wrote.
The unprecedented disaster has destroyed at least 1,100 homes and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate
Image credits: Kyle Grillot/Getty Images
According to Los Angeles County, the wildfires that erupted last Tuesday (January 7) were caused by powerful winds and dry conditions, destroying at least 1,100 homes and killing about five people.
The intensity of the flames has been described as “devastating and terrifying,” according to officials.
Image credits: NBC News
The disaster has been divided into five main areas: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Sunset, and Lidia. The first and second were the biggest, with 17,234 and 10,000 acres destroyed by each as of Thursday morning (January 9).
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed the unprecedented nature of the tragedy, labeling the Palisades fire the “most destructive” in Los Angeles history.
Image credits: LiveNOW from FOX
More than 100,000 people had to be evacuated, leaving their homes and precious possessions behind as the fires advanced mercilessly on their communities. According to official sources, the number of injuries has been “significant,” but no official number has been informed.
Authorities explained that the fires were the result of “weather whiplash,” combining the state’s dryness with fast winds
More than 100,000 people had to be evacuated, leaving their homes and precious possessions behind as the fires advanced mercilessly on their communities. According to official sources, the number of injuries has been “significant,” but no official number has been informed.
Authorities explained that the fires were the result of “weather whiplash,” combining the state’s dryness with fast winds
Image credits: JMRaasch
A preliminary report by J.P. Morgan’s insurance analysts estimates the losses from the fires could cost upward of $10 billion, putting it in line with the losses of California’s deadliest wildfire ever: 2018’s Camp Fire.
The 2018 disaster ended with more than 13,000 acres being destroyed and 85 people losing their lives, with losses valued at $15 billion.
