America is no stranger to wildfires. In some areas, particularly California, they are a part of life and a constant object of fear for millions. However, right now, the nation’s worst fire didn’t happening in Cal…
But in Hawaii.
The situation began on Monday, August 7. A fire alert was issued as a result of dry conditions and brush, as well as high winds whipped up by a passing Hurricane Dora. They were proven right just one day later, with the “upcountry fire” beginning to blaze in central Maui island. Efforts to contain it were unsuccessful, and not long later, the Lahaina fire sprouted up, embroiling what was once the royal Hawaiian capital. An emergency proclamation was declared by Hawaii state governor Josh Green, and both fires only worsened from there. The Lahaina fire is still tearing apart the city, reducing historic places to ash, history to rubble. It has already taken the lives of 106 people, many of whom were trapped within the city limits, making it the deadliest blaze in over 100 years, a devastating statistic. The casualties will only mount as more of the fire is contained and extinguished, and the governor warned it might double in the coming days, or more. By officials’ last statement, less than half of the area has been searched for remains. wildfire has only now ended, and questions have already arisen:
How did it start? The short answer is: we don’t know for sure yet. With the wildfire only contained at 9:00 last night, it’ll be some time for a full investigation to conclude. For now, all that it clear is that the weather conditions led to a situation where fire danger was at its maximum. Otherwise, one of the key suspects currently is Hawaiian Electric - or more specifically its offshoot Maui Electric - the largest electricity provider (providing 95% of the state’s electricity). A lawsuit filed today and reported by NBC accuses the Hawaiian Electric of “years of inaction and negligence, and argue that it should have had plans in place to shut down power systems before fierce winds blew across Hawaii.” Three other lawsuits echo these sentiments. On the other hand, however, the electrical provider said in a statement:
"Hawaiian Electric has a robust wildfire mitigation and grid resiliency program that includes vegetation management, grid hardening investments and regular inspection of our assets… The company has protocols that may be used when high winds are expected, including not enabling the automatic reclosure of circuits that may open during a weather event. This was done before the onset of high winds. ... At this early stage, no cause for the fire has been determined."
In other words, Hawaiian Electric argues that it did make efforts to lower fire risk, while lawsuits argue these actions were insufficient.
Answers are sure to come as the investigations continue.
How can I help? Currently, the best thing people outside Hawaii can do is to support Hawaiian charities and other groups. This includes:
Maui Strong Fund, providing necessities to those rendered homeless by the flames.
American Red Cross of Hawaii, which has members on ground zero providing search & rescue services.
Maui Food Bank is providing meals to displaced residents on Maui.
Supporting these causes can help thousands of people rebuild their lives, and bring closure to those with missing family members, following the devastating Maui wildfires.