Around a thousand firefighters are battling a pair of wildfires in Wyoming with an estimated 100,000 acres burning as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. Officials say the fires were sparked by lightning strikes, but as fast as flames have spread so have the conspiracy theories.
Some social media users have floated unproven claims suggesting a connection between the elk fire’s growth and lithium deposits, alleging global leaders are starting the fires on purpose to clear out the land for lithium mining.
Wyoming recently announced lithium discoveries in Natrona County. However, Bighorn National Forest, where the elk fire is burning, is far from that site. Experts also note that hot, dry and windy conditions have fueled the fires as crews fight to stop their spread.
Evacuations have been ordered across several counties and U.S. Highway 14, one of the main roads in the state, was shut down.
The state of Wyoming is further taking action to protect livestock and getting emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help with agricultural recovery.
Residents also took to social media this week, expressing frustration over lack of media coverage. They note that news outlets are caught up in Hurricane Helene recovery and Hurricane Milton.
