video shared on Instagram It is said to show a man saving a rabbit from a fire in Los Angeles in 2025.
Verdict: False
This video was taken during a fire in Los Angeles in 2017.
Fact check:
At least 25 people have died in wildfires in Southern California, and police have arrested multiple suspects on suspicion of small-scale arson. Associated Press. The newspaper reported that nearly 30 people are missing in total, and search teams are searching a wide area.
An Instagram video purportedly taken during the recent Los Angeles fires purports to show a man chasing a small rabbit toward the flames. The man was eventually able to bend down and scoop up the rabbit.
The post, posted on January 8th, reads: “In the midst of the wildfires raging in Los Angeles, a moment of courage and compassion shines amidst the chaos. This moment marks the loss of a small, innocent life. It captures a man who risks everything to save a rabbit trapped in hell. The flames may threaten everything in his path, but this act of kindness is the best in the darkest of times. It also reminds us of the strength of the human spirit.”
However, this video has an incorrect caption. Clip was originally shared to X NBC News In December 2017, it was revealed that the video was actually filmed in Los Angeles, albeit several years ago. (Related: Facebook image doesn’t show recent California fires, it’s from 2018)
Witnesses saw the man pull up to the scene of a wildfire in LA and rescue a rabbit. pic.twitter.com/v9EYpcmK9M
— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 7, 2017
The Thomas Fire featured in the video broke out on December 4, 2017, and was reportedly declared the largest in California history on December 23, 2017. CNN. The fire ultimately burned 281,893 acres and was not 100% contained until January 12, 2018, the newspaper reported.
