"Can we ban TikTok just for this guy?" Internet reacts as TikToker dances amid massive 6,500-acre 'Border 2 fire' in San Diego

A massive wildfire, named the Border 2 fire, continues to rage near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County, California. The fire has consumed around 6,500 acres so far, prompting widespread evacuation.

Social media erupted in outrage this week after a TikTok video showed a man dancing against the backdrop of the Border 2 fire. The video, which has since gone viral, features the individual performing trendy dance moves with smoke billowing ominously in the background. A user commented:

"Individual appears to film a TikTok dance in front of a 6,500-acre fire near the border in San Diego County. Can we ban TikTok just for this guy? ... The fire is currently only 10% contained and grew another 200 acres last night... The 'Border 2 Fire,' currently has 1,100 firefighters assigned to it."

Another user on X was more critical:

"Using this tragedy in a manner like this is sickening, people have no shame today"

"If this is the kind of content TikTok promotes then maybe it's time to rethink its social impact," chimed in another user.

A user shared the video of another LA influencer leveraging the wildfires to promote their business, by providing discount to the ones affected by the fire. The X user said:

"Its pretty much come down to exactly this."

An X user even hinted at the possibility of the person dancing in the video to have started the Border 2 fire. They wrote:

"wouldn't past it some tiktok influencers to start the fire for content"

Others defended the TikToker dancing in front of the Border 2 fire. One of them noted:

"The fire was probably 50 miles away, he may not even have noticed it. Critically: it’s CA and if we can’t film ourselves with wildfire smoke in the background, we might as well ban filming entirely for several days every year."

"Unless he started the fire I’m not mad at it. And the video is called “Newsome did this”. 🤣," echoed another X user.

One user quipped: "Leave him alone. He is doing a rain dance."

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Border 2 fire updates

The Border 2 fire ignited on Otay Mountain around 2:30 pm Thursday, according to Cal Fire. Its rapid growth was fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, sending thick plumes of smoke across the region. The fire had gutted 600 acres by Thursday night. It intensified significantly overnight owing to extreme fire behavior, and spread to more than 6,000 acres.

In their most recent updates, Cal Fire notified that 10% of the Border 2 fire has been contained.

Firefighters face significant challenges in controlling the blaze, threatening communities to the north, east, and west. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued, including parts of eastern Chula Vista, urging residents to leave their homes and seek safety. Emergency responders continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property.