A number of conspiracy theories have emerged regarding the wildfire in Maui that has killed 99 people so far. The latest rumor is that a 12-mile ‘media-free’ zone has been imposed around Lahaina, the town in Hawaii that was the most affected by fires.

Independent journalist and podcaster Nick Sorter posted a number of photos of Lahaina, after the town was destroyed by fire. Along with the pictures, which made Lahaina look like a ghost town, Sorter wrote: “I’m being told there is a TWELVE MILE “MEDIA FREE ZONE” around Lahaina, Maui where the “wildfires” struck WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?? I’m flying in TOMORROW. I’ll let them put me in JAIL before I’ll obey an unconstitutional “MEDIA FREE ZONE” Don’t believe me? Try me. STAY TUNED.”

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He did not reveal his sources or give anymore details about why the alleged “media-free” zone had been imposed. Instead, in a follow-up tweet, he posted a screenshot of his ticket to Kahului, in his attempt to prove that he was not lying and he was legitimately going to try to find out if the reports of the “media-free zone” was true.

The rumor spread quickly on X, formerly known as Twitter, as more and more people started tweeting Sorter’s post. Meanwhile, there was no confirmation of this rumor from any of the mainstream outlets.

One of the social media users pointed to an NBC article titled, “Emergency sirens weren’t activated ahead of deadly blaze: Recap” to further add fuel to the rumor. However, The article talked about the fact that Maui’s warning sirens were not activated as deadly wildfires approached the town of Lahaina. There were survivors who believed that they did not receive sufficient warned through emergency alerts as the crisis deepened.

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It did not speak about any “restricted zone” as insinuated in the tweet by the user, making it apparent that the photo of the article was fabricated.

The fire is said to have moved so fast that many people were unable to leave town. Residents could be seen stuck in traffic on main streets in videos posted on social media with heavy clouds of smoke and massive winds whipping around them.

Many people also jumped into the ocean to prevent themselves from being burned.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has received heavy criticism for his lack luster response to the Hawaii wildfires as he appeared to make some dismissive remarks. He also has made no plans to visit the suffering state.