"Arson Emergency": What does it mean and what is behind it?

The bushfires in Australia have been dominating the headlines for weeks. In connection with this, the term "Arson Emergency" is now making the rounds. We explain what it's all about.

The next conspiracy theory: "Arson Emergency" comes from the right-wing online scene.

"Arson" means arson, which, however, is not an official reason for the fires in Australia. The background of the term can thus already be guessed.

This is behind "Arson Emergency"

The most important info summarized:

• "Arson Emergency" stands for the claim that the forest fires did not occur naturally, but were deliberately ignited.
• Since there is no evidence or even evidence for this, it is a conspiracy theory.
• This is spread from the right-wing spectrum, matching the opinion that climate change does not exist or is not man-made.
• The forest fires are thus to be weakened as an argument for stronger measures against climate change. At the same time, wild speculations are thrown into the room regarding those responsible; about radical Muslims and / or Hillary Clinton, so known enemy images of right-wing conspiracy fans, has already been discussed in appropriate circles.
• The theory is spread via social media such as Twitter via "#ArsonEmergency".

Experts suspect that it is not a small number of the accounts are so-called bot accounts. Right-wing media in the U.S. have also taken up the issue and support it, as it fits into the political agenda. "Arson Emergency" is thus further evidence of how quickly apparent misinformation can spread on the Internet and that healthy caution is always advised.