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,

President-elect Donald Trump inaccurately blamed water shortages in Los Angeles on policies meant to preserve an endangered fish called the Delta smelt.

While scientists cite an unusually dry winter combined with strong winds as the fuel behind the rapid spread of the fires, right-wing figures are instead blaming diversity, equity, and inclusion.