New footage shows a ‘group of people in LA intentionally light fires’ – here’s what we know

As much of Los Angeles, California, battles the ongoing wildfire blaze that started in Pacific Palisades, footage emerged of people allegedly setting fires intentionally in the Santa Monica area.

Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have been flooded with devastating images as both celebrities and citizens alike fear for their lives and belongings amid the continuing blaze. Celebrities such as Miles Teller, Paris Hilton, and Adam Brody have already revealed the charred remains of their LA mansions.

As of this morning, much of the blaze is still uncontained as the LA Fire Department struggles to fight back the flames encroaching on surrounding areas, and now it seems people are making matters worse by adding to the fires themselves.

Are people intentionally setting fires in LA?

The troubling footage was shared on Twitter by renowned neuroscientist and podcaster Andrew Huberman, with the post itself amassing 7.9 million views in just a few hours.

“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA Saw this happen first-hand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here,” he wrote on Twitter alongside the video.

The clip itself showed a group of what appeared to be men gathered around a pillar of fire in an urban area. The smoke was billowing into the air and nearby trees were starting the catch.

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“People are lighting fires now,” he said in the voiceover. “Not all of the people there, but some of those guys lit that fire and the trees are on fire and the palms are catching fire. Civilians are now lighting fires. Be safe out there, the fire department has been dispatched but we don’t have enough water to put it out.”

People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen first hand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here. pic.twitter.com/AZ4GLr6N3q

— Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) January 9, 2025

As you might expect, the viral clip enraged Twitter users who questioned “How many of the wildfires were started this way?” and why Andrew was simply recording them.

One person said: “True evil. F**k these people. At least one personal contact lost everything. House with music studio they spent 10+ years building piece by piece, gone. Nothing left.”

“People truly have issues, because why would you do this,” another questioned, as someone else added, “People in California are so mentally deranged it’s not even funny.”

In a later update, Andrew confirmed: “Note: Yes the Fire Department arrived and put the fire out. Yes this was directly across from Belmar Park. For reference.”

Featured image credit: Andrew Huberman