DEW? What's really happening?

Willard Peak Fire: What’s Behind the Flames in North Ogden?

On August 13, 2025, a wildfire named the Willard Peak Fire erupted in North Ogden, Weber County, Utah, sparked by a vehicle fire. Now covering 5 acres, it threatens 15-20 homes, with fire crews and aircraft battling the uphill blaze fueled by dry conditions. Official reports from sources like KSL.com and FOX 13 News point to a straightforward cause: a vehicle igniting dry vegetation. But in the age of distrust, can we take this at face value? Utah Fire Info warns that vehicle fires can rapidly spark wildfires, urging maintenance and caution. Yet, whispers of something more sinister are circulating.

DEW Allegations: Is There More to the Story?

Social media, particularly on X, buzzes with claims that Directed Energy Weapons (DEW)—high-energy lasers or microwave systems—might be behind the Willard Peak Fire and other recent wildfires. Users like @TJGlen14 cite a forensic arborist’s photos, suggesting unusual burn patterns point to DEW. Others, like @Vital_Vibration, share videos claiming to show military DEW capabilities, while @7SEES_ links to defense contractor pages discussing DEW development. These claims echo theories from past fires in California (2018), Hawaii (2023), and Texas (2024), where surviving trees or blue objects fueled speculation.

But here’s the catch: no evidence ties DEW to the Willard Peak Fire. Experts like Iain Boyd from the University of Colorado argue that DEW capable of starting fires would require massive, noticeable equipment—like aircraft-mounted lasers—leaving clear traces. None have been reported here. PolitiFact and AFP Fact Check have debunked similar claims, noting that surviving trees are common due to moisture or bark resistance, not secret weapons. The official narrative sticks to natural causes: dry grass, wind, and a spark. But when trust in institutions is shaky, can we dismiss these questions outright?

[](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2025/01/10/directed-energy-weapons-los-angeles-fires-fact-check/77597402007/)[](https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.36TZ8BB)

Questioning the Narrative Without Jumping to Conclusions

It’s easy to see why DEW theories gain traction. Wildfires are devastating, and pinning them on a hidden agenda feels more controllable than random chaos. Yet, the evidence for DEW remains thin—recycled images, like a 2018 Ohio refinery burn or a SpaceX launch, often misrepresented as “proof.” Meanwhile, official reports aren’t infallible either. History shows that initial fire causes can be oversimplified or later revised. So, what’s the truth? The Willard Peak Fire’s cause is under investigation, and while a vehicle fire fits the data, skepticism is healthy. Could there be more to uncover, or are we chasing shadows?

Stay informed through local sources like KSL.com or Utah Fire Info on X. Dig into the facts, question both sides, and share your thoughts below. What do you think is really going on?