No, viral images don’t show evidence of ‘directed energy weapons’ starting fires in Maui

Wildfires swept through western Maui, an island in Hawaii, on Aug. 8 and 9, destroying the historic town of Lahaina and devastating many other communities on the island. It is already the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century with more than 111 dead as of Aug. 18, but the rescue efforts continue so the death toll is expected to rise. The exact cause of the Lahaina fire is unknown, although the risk of fire was high given dry conditions on the island. The uncertainty has fueled several conspiracy theories. One of the most popular theories is that the fires started due to an attack from a directed energy weapon. There are at least three viral images of what appear to be laser beams people have shared as “evidence” of these purported directed energy weapons. One image that appears to show an orange laser beam over an explosion has been viewed millions of times on X, formerly known as Twitter, and also went viral in a video posted to Instagram. Other popular posts appear to show a thin laser beam fired directly down at a forested area with smoke around its base. Yet another viral video purporting to show directed energy weapons appears to reveal a laser beam coming down at an angle to hit a building in a crowded town. THE QUESTION Do these three viral posts show evidence that directed energy weapons started the wildfires in Maui? Read more: ------------------------------ At VERIFY, we’re answering your questions about what’s true and false. Visit our website at If you’ve seen a viral claim online and you’re not sure whether it’s true, let us know! Email questions@ or text us at 202-410-8808. Find us on social @verifythis. Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: