Henry Winkler says LA wildfires might have been set on purpose
The actor suggests the devastating fires may not be accidents, sparking debate and raising questions.
Actor Henry Winkler stirred up debate online after tweeting that the deadly Los Angeles wildfires might be the work of an arsonist, calling for harsh punishment. Officials, however, urged caution, saying there’s no evidence yet to support such claims.
The tweet that ignited a firestorm
Two days after devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles, Henry Winkler, best known as the iconic “Fonzie” from Happy Days, shared his frustration online. In a fiery post to his 1 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), the 79-year-old actor wrote:
“THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA,” Winkler, who owns a home in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of LA, added. “May you be beaten you unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!”
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 7.1 million views. Winkler, who expressed the pain and frustration felt by many Californians, struck a nerve with fans who applauded his candor.
One user replied, “I was wondering about this because no one has said how it was caused.” Another speculated, “It’s highly feasible that this is an organized effort.”
However, not everyone agreed. Critics slammed the tweet, accusing Winkler of spreading conspiracy theories. “Henry, you [used] to be cool now you are a whiny idiot,” one detractor wrote. Others warned against jumping to conclusions, with one person commenting, “Conspiracy theories incoming.”
Some even tied the tweet to Winkler’s political stance. “Nice to see you all finally outraged about something other than Trump,” a third critic wrote.
Officials set the record straight
As Winkler’s post fueled speculation, Los Angeles fire officials stepped in to address the swirling rumors.
In a statement to TMZ, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) explained: “There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway.”
TMZ further reported that the LAFD confirmed their arson squad is investigating the fires. While this might sound alarming, fire officials clarified that such investigations are routine for large-scale wildfires.
California fire chief David Acuna also weighed in during an interview with the BBC, saying there isn’t “any conclusive evidence” that the fires were deliberately started.
Growing online debate
Despite officials urging caution, Winkler’s tweet continues to fuel heated conversations online. Andrew Huberman, a neurobiology professor at Stanford, added to the debate by sharing his own alarming account.
“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen firsthand 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 in a comment under Winkler’s post.
Huberman also shared a video clip to back up his claim, which has now garnered over 10 million views and even attracted the attention of Elon Musk. The billionaire simply responded, “WOW.”
The bigger picture
As of now, the wildfires have claimed 24 lives, with thousands of residents displaced and entire neighborhoods reduced to ash. Among the most devastating are the Palisades and Eaton fires, which stand as some of the worst in California’s history.
While authorities continue to investigate the causes of these catastrophic fires, Winkler’s viral post sheds light on the deep frustrations shared by many Californians. Wildfires are a recurring nightmare for the state, often fueled by a deadly combination of dry weather, high winds, and human activity—intentional or not.
Henry Winkler’s emotional tweet has sparked a wider conversation about accountability, safety, and the toll wildfires take on communities. While officials have not confirmed arson as the cause, the debate highlights the heightened anxieties Californians face every fire season.
What do you think about Winkler’s claim? Was his reaction justified, or should he have waited for more facts? Let us know your thoughts, and share this story to hear others’ perspectives!
