FACT CHECK: Does Video Show South African Firefighters Arriving To Help California?

A post shared on social media purportedly shows a video of South African firefighters arriving in California.

Verdict: False

The video is from 2023 when South African firefighters arrived in Edmonton to assist with Canadian wildfires.

Fact Check:

Critical fire conditions are expected to continue as winds intensified on Tuesday in Los Angeles, The Washington Post reported. At least 24 people have died in the fire, which still has no official cause, according to the outlet.

A post shared on Instagram allegedly shows South African firefighters being brought in to California to help with the current fires in the state. The video shows a large group of men in an airport singing and dancing.

The text on the video reads, “Group of South African Firefighters who have landed in Canada to make their way to LA, to help…”

The caption reads, “But sadly the roles would never be reversed. Thank you brothers for your help!”

The claim is inaccurate. The video predates the current fires in the California. The video was uploaded by CTV News in June 2023.

The video shows firefighters from South Africa after they landed in Edmonton to fight Alberta wildfires, Global News reported. The outlet reported nearly 200 firefighters broke out into song and dance as they arrived in the airport. (RELATED: Facebook Image Does Not Show Recent California Fires, Is From 2018)

This is not the first time misinformation surrounding the California fires has circulated online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim the Hollywood sign is currently on fire.