Despite rumors on social media, Oregon law enforcement officials say they have seen no evidence of people affiliated with antifa or other political groups starting fires — and that online speculation wastes precious resources needed to save lives.
Oregon firefighters put out embers in Mill City, Ore., on Sept. 10, 2020, as they battle the Santiam Fire. As fires ravage the Pacific Northwest, fear and rumors have taken hold on social media.Kathryn Elsesser/AFP via Getty Images
"Has anyone seen or heard of 3 guys with Hoodies throwing bottles of gasoline in the Boring golf course?" one person speculated in a private Facebook group for the town of Boring, Ore."I don't know if it's true, so I'm asking here if anyone knows." Oregon State Police, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Ashland Police Department are looking into how the blaze began. So far, it has killed at least one person and burned at least 600 homes, mostly in the towns of Phoenix and Talent.
"In no way does it point towards any political group, including anybody associated with antifa," he said."Any rumors suggesting that it is pointed toward antifa are entirely fabricated."
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