CNN —A Canadian man who posted conspiracy theories on social media claiming the government was deliberately starting wildfires has pleaded guilty to starting 14 blazes that forced hundreds of people from their homes.
Prosecutor Marie-Philippe Charron said one of the fires Paré set forced the evacuation of around 400 people in the town of Chapais, Quebec.
Pare does not remember all of the fires he could have started, so we have currently 14 fires, we have 14 counts,” Charron told CNN.
They also found multiple social media posts by Paré accusing the Canadian government of purposefully igniting fires to persuade people to believe in climate change.
Human activity does play a role in starting wildfires, either deliberately or through accidental actions such as discarding a lit cigarette, but natural factors are also involved.
Persons:
Brian Paré, Marie, Philippe Charron, Paré, Mr, Pare, ” Charron, “, Charron, Maxime Bernier, Danielle Smith, Ryan Jespersen, ”, Kira Hoffman, Hoffman, ” Paré
Organizations:
CNN, Police, ”, Protection Agency, University of British, Research
Locations:
Quebec, Chapais, North Dakota, United States, Europe, ” Alberta, University of British Columbia, Canada