The deadly wildfires currently sweeping across Los Angeles have been fueled by months of drought and strong winds, creating ideal conditions for the blazes.
However, some politicians and influencers have attributed the recent Los Angeles wildfires to conservation policies protecting the Delta smelt, a small fish species. These claims have gained traction on social media, diverting attention from the real causes of the disaster.
President-elect Donald Trump and others claimed that regulations safeguarding the endangered Delta smelt’s habitat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta restrict water pumping capabilities.
They connected this to firefighters’ water access issues, noting that three water tanks and some hydrants temporarily ran dry due to high demand on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

Trump’s bitter feud with Newsom
Trump recently criticised the Delta smelt situation on Truth Social, stating: “He (Governor Gavin Newsom) wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!), but didn’t care about the people of California. Now the ultimate price is being paid. I will demand that this incompetent governor allow beautiful, clean, fresh water to FLOW INTO CALIFORNIA! He is the blame for this. On top of it all, no water for fire hydrants, not firefighting planes. A true disaster!”
Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s communications director, responded by stating: “There is no such document as the water restoration declaration — that is pure fiction. The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need.”

Trump discusses risks of wildfires months before
While in an October conversation with Joe Rogan, Trump discussed the risks of California’s wildfires, well before the current blazes surrounding Los Angeles.
“You know, in Los Angeles, you can’t get proper amounts of water,” Trump stated to the prominent podcaster, whilst criticising the state’s practice of allowing rainwater, which could be utilised for fire control, to go to waste.
“In order to protect a tiny little fish, the water up north gets routed into the Pacific Ocean. Millions and millions of gallons of water get poured [into the Pacific],” he elaborated. “I got it all done. Nobody could believe it … You got so much water. All you have to do is sign, and [Gavin Newsom] didn’t wanna sign,” he added.
“Every time I go to California, I say, ‘You have so much water.’ They don’t know it,” he further remarked, referencing an unsuccessful 2020 water restoration declaration he had proposed.
Trump wants to politicize it
Social media futher criticised users criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom, repeating Trump’s inaccurate claims about state water management.
Responding to Trump’s criticism, Newsom expressed his frustration to CNN stating, “one can’t even respond” to such attacks. He highlighted the devastating impact, saying “People are literally fleeing, people have lost their lives, kids lost their schools, families completely torn asunder, churches burned down – this guy wanted to politicize it”

Los Angeles Fire Chief faces criticism
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who assumed leadership in 2022 following 20 years of service, faced criticism on X regarding her department’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“She boasts about being the first female and LGBTQ fire chief in the LA Fire Department. Promoting a culture of DEI is her priority. Does this make you feel safer?” Libs of TikTok posted on X.
“They prioritised DEI over saving lives and homes,” Billionaire owner Elon Musk commented.
These diversionary statements overshadow actual fire contributors, including Santa Ana winds and climate change impacts, according to news agency AFP.

Delta smelt is not the sole target
The Delta smelt is not the sole target of accusations regarding the multiple fires that had spread across 45 square miles by Thursday, displacing over 180,000 residents.
According to NBC, experts indicate that the fire’s origin remains uncertain, and many online claims lack factual basis. They emphasise that these assertions overlook the complex factors behind the fires’ spread and the sophisticated approaches needed to address future urban wildfires.
Research indicates human-induced climate change affects weather patterns and wildfire behaviour in the Western US Southern California experienced 20 years of drought, followed by two unusually wet years causing extensive vegetation growth.
Subsequently, eight months passed without significant rainfall, creating abundant fire fuel.
Officials continue investigating the origins of the Palisades and Eaton fires, with no evidence supporting social media allegations about homeless individuals or “ecoterrorists.”