RCMP are warning about misinformation circulating online about wildfires in British Columbia and are advising people to rely on official sources for accurate information.
Superintendent Beth McAndie, officer in charge of the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen regional RCMP detachment, spoke during an update Monday evening on the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.
She said police were aware of several videos and social media posts claiming to show a person lighting a wildlife deterrent known as a bear banger in the area of the wildfire.
“Investigators have identified the individual in question, who is considered a witness and not a suspect,” said McAndie.
“Investigators have ensured the incident on video occurred kilometres away from the fire origin area. The public is cautioned against making false statements and to stop the continuation of misinformation on social media,” she said.
AI-generated content and conspiracy theories about Canadian wildfires have abounded on social media in recent weeks, including incorrect AI-generated wildfire maps and satellite images.
Subrina Monteith, director for Electoral Area I with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, advised people not to use Facebook as a source of information.
“I’ve seen lots of misinformation, so it’s really important that you’re going to the source and following those right channels,” she said.
Erick Thompson, senior manager of communications for the RDOS, said people should rely on information from official channels, including the district’s website: rdos.bc.ca.
He also encouraged people to call the emergency regional operations centre if they have questions at 250-490-4225.
Thompson has been hosting daily livestreams on the RDOS Youtube channel to provide timely information and answer questions about the Bald Range wildfire.
“Rumours can spread very quickly on social media and sometimes they are purposely planted, and that’s really unfortunate,” Thompson told Vista News. “But even aside from that there’s a lot of speculation, and that can get people worried, so it’s really important that people take the time to monitor the official sources.”
