AI-generated wildfire images spreading misinformation in B.C., fire officials warn

These AI-generated images were shared by the B.C. Wildfire Service, which says they were shared by other accounts and do not accurately reflect the terrain, fire size or behavior in the area. Photo provided by B.C. Wildfire Service via Facebook

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The B.C. Wildfire Service is sounding the alarm on a rise in AI-generated wildfire images, which it says are contributing to online misinformation and exacerbating stressful situations.

The service shared two such AI-generated images in a social media post on Tuesday, both of which it says were shared by other accounts and were inaccurately portraying fire situations.

While the wildfire service has grappled with misinformation and conspiracy theories for years, it says the proliferation of AI images is a new wrinkle that could change someone's decision-making in an emergency if they don't know any better.

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