Conspiracy Theories Surge as Bushfires Ravage Victoria

The rapid spread of conspiracy theories about Victoria’s recent bushfires has prompted warnings from experts that misinformation will become increasingly common as climate change intensifies natural disasters across Australia.

Among the unfounded claims circulating in fire-affected communities is an alleged government-orchestrated internet blackout, which gained traction when Premier Jacinta Allan visited Alexandra in mid-January. The town had narrowly escaped disaster from the nearby Longwood fire, and some locals confronted government officials with accusations that internet services had been deliberately shut down.

The conspiracy reached new heights when a screenshot of a purported WhatsApp message began circulating, falsely claiming that Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas had admitted the government had terminated communications to prevent misinformation. Some residents speculated the alleged shutdown was timed to coincide with the Premier’s visit to prevent locals from organizing opposition.

Experts emphasize there is no evidence to support these claims. Premiers and government officials lack the authority to unilaterally shut down internet services. The communications problems experienced during the fires were the result of infrastructure damage, with phone towers and electricity services damaged by the blazes – a situation that has prompted renewed calls to better secure critical communications infrastructure during emergencies.

The internet blackout theory is just one of several conspiracy narratives that emerged in the wake of the fires, which have burned through 400,000 hectares of land. Other widely shared claims include allegations that the fires were deliberately lit to clear land for wind farm development – echoing similar conspiracies from the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires when some alleged fires were started to enable high-speed rail construction.

Perhaps the most outlandish theory circulating online suggests the fires were started by “energy weapons” such as lasers, a claim that has become a recurring element in bushfire conspiracy theories worldwide. Another debunked claim suggested houses were burned while surrounding vegetation remained untouched – a falsehood that fact-checkers have thoroughly disproven.

Dr. Mathew Marques, a senior lecturer in social psychology at La Trobe University, explained that conspiracy theories typically emerge during times of crisis and collective trauma. “It clearly will become more common with climate change effects increasing,” he said.

Marques noted that research indicates people turn to conspiracies to explain catastrophic events as a way to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. “The idea is that they’re meant to provide this way for people to buffer this anxiety or reduce the frustration of these needs that they’ve got. Like the need for certainty, need for belonging, need for knowing,” he explained. “But the reality is they actually make people feel worse.”

The expert added that those who promote these theories often already distrust government or institutions, with political elements playing a significant role. “People find it easier to lay blame on groups with different political allegiances or from different social classes,” Marques said.

A 2025 report from the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies highlighted how natural disasters can have political and societal consequences that extremists may exploit. “Deliberate disinformation campaigns by malign actors during natural disasters are also increasing and are causing multifaceted harms,” the report states.

Associate Professor Josh Roose, an extremism expert at Deakin University, warns that governments need long-term strategies to address the inevitable rise of conspiracy theories during disasters. “It comes back to building trust and building trust with communities,” he said.

Roose pointed to evidence from developing countries showing that extremist groups often gain traction following natural disasters. “There’s a rapid decline in trust in government and there’s a vacuum of information, and conspiracies tend to proliferate in that space,” he explained.

While some conspiracy promoters are genuinely traumatized individuals seeking explanations, others have more calculated motives. “There are people out there who are profiting from this, both financially but also politically, in seeking to build movements,” Roose noted.

Experts recommend that authorities maintain transparency and effective communication during crises, with physical presence in affected communities being particularly important. Rather than attempting to control online discourse, officials should focus on providing clear, consistent information to fill the vacuum that conspiracies exploit.

As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the challenge of countering misinformation will likely become an increasingly important aspect of emergency management and community recovery efforts.