Wildfire rumours and denial in the Trump era

In this chapter rumours that emerged in Oregon, USA in response to an unprecedented wildfire in 2020 are examined. The fires were partly due to global warming and endangered numerous communities. In rural-identified communities, some residents insisted that the wildfires were acts of arson by Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa activists, rather than acknowledging the reality of climate change. Importantly, the wildfires occurred in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and months of continuous protests by BLM and its supporters in Portland. These events built on and intensified the tremendous polarization of the Trump era, as conservatives and the right resisted claims of structural racism. One pathway for doing so was to delegitimize anti-racist activists. Though scientists explained the fires, many rural residents embraced a false narrative linked to larger anxieties and anger. Based on an analysis of social media centred on the community of Sandy, it is argued that the rumours reflect the fusion of two forms of denial: climate denial and racial denial. A close reading of the data revealed a narrative structure composed of four elements: 1) Arson is not climate change; 2) Antifa/BLM are the arsonists/terrorists; 3) There is a cover-up conspiracy; and 4) Those who don’t believe this are the real denialists. To understand these narratives, the changing demographic and political landscape of Oregon and the culture of the right are examined.