False Claims Link California Wildfires to World Economic Forum’s Smart City Agenda

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — False claims circulating on social media allege that World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab admitted the recent California wildfires were intentionally set to pave the way for a “Smart City” in Los Angeles. The posts, which have been widely shared, suggest the fires were part of a global elite plan to rebuild the city under a “New World Order.” However, these claims are baseless, according to a spokesperson for the World Economic Forum.

The wildfires, which began on Jan. 7 in Los Angeles County, have caused significant damage, destroying homes and displacing residents. High winds and extreme dry conditions exacerbated the disaster, with estimates of total damage and economic loss still being assessed. Despite the devastation, there is no evidence to support the conspiracy theory linking the fires to a global agenda.

Social media posts cited a fabricated statement attributed to Schwab, claiming he said, “From the ashes of LA, a Smart City will emerge.” A spokesperson for the World Economic Forum told Reuters on Jan. 16 that the claim is “entirely false and has no basis in fact.” The quoted text originated from Operation Disclosure, a website known for promoting conspiracy theories.

Patrick DaCosta, described as the site’s founder, told Reuters the narrative came from American Media Group, referencing a fake tweet attributed to Schwab. The tweet, which does not appear on Schwab’s personal or official World Economic Forum accounts, was part of a broader conspiracy theory about “Smart Cities” and “15-minute cities.” These urban planning concepts aim to improve quality of life by creating compact, accessible communities, but have been misrepresented as tools for control by conspiracy theorists.

Carlos Moreno, the urbanist credited with popularizing the “15-minute city” concept, has emphasized that the model seeks to enhance community well-being, not restrict freedom. Reuters has previously debunked false claims about Schwab and the World Economic Forum, including similar conspiracy theories.

Operation Disclosure includes a disclaimer stating its mission is to share “raw unvetted information” about conspiracies, including extraterrestrial contact and ancient origins. The site’s content often lacks credible sourcing and has been linked to misinformation campaigns.

As recovery efforts continue in Los Angeles, officials urge the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unverified claims. The wildfires remain a tragic natural disaster, with no evidence supporting the conspiracy theories circulating online.