Fact Check: "Smiley Fire scorches 83 acres and is only 30% contained."
What We Know
The Smiley Fire, which is currently burning in San Bernardino County, has been reported to have scorched 83 acres. However, the containment status of the fire has been updated multiple times. As of the latest reports, the fire is 99% contained according to CAL FIRE, which indicates significant progress in firefighting efforts (CAL FIRE). Earlier reports suggested that the fire was around 65% contained (CBS News), but the claim that it is only 30% contained is outdated and incorrect.
Analysis
The claim that the Smiley Fire is only 30% contained does not reflect the most recent information available from reliable sources. The official CAL FIRE report states that the fire is 99% contained as of the latest update (CAL FIRE). This discrepancy suggests that the claim may have originated from an earlier stage of the firefighting efforts or from a misinterpretation of the containment percentages.
Furthermore, the source of the claim lacks credibility as it does not cite any current data or reliable updates. The CAL FIRE website is the authoritative source for wildfire information in California, and it provides real-time updates on fire incidents. The information from CAL FIRE is corroborated by multiple news outlets, which also report on the fire's containment status (CBS News, KTLA).
The reliability of the sources reporting the containment status is crucial. CAL FIRE is a government agency dedicated to fire protection and management, making its reports highly credible. In contrast, any unverified claims circulating on social media or less reputable news platforms should be approached with skepticism.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that the Smiley Fire is only 30% contained is inaccurate. The fire is currently reported to be 99% contained as per the latest updates from CAL FIRE. This significant progress in containment contradicts the original claim, highlighting the importance of referencing up-to-date and credible sources for information regarding emergency situations.
