Wildfires Devastate Hawaii’s Maui and Big Island, Leaving Dozens Dead and Thousands Evacuated
August 10, 2023 (Reuters) – The wildfires that have been raging on Hawaii’s Maui island and Big Island since Tuesday night have caused significant damage and loss of life. The fires have forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate and have decimated the historic resort city of Lahaina. Here are some key questions and answers about the disaster.
HOW DID THE FIRES START?
The exact causes of the fires are still unknown. However, the National Weather Service had issued warnings for high winds and dry weather in the Hawaiian Islands, which are conditions conducive to the spread of wildfires. These warnings were later canceled on Wednesday. It is worth noting that nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by human activities, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Natural causes such as lightning and volcanic activity can also contribute to wildfires, and the Hawaiian Islands have six active volcanoes, including one on Maui.
WHAT’S DRIVING THE HAWAII WILDFIRES?
Officials have attributed the spread of the fires to the winds from Hurricane Dora, which is located hundreds of miles southwest of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. These strong winds, combined with a low-pressure system near Japan, have fueled the flames across the state. Additionally, dry vegetation in the affected areas has increased the risk and severity of the fires.
WHERE ARE THE FIRES?
The wildfires have caused extensive devastation in Lahaina, a popular beach resort city on northwestern Maui. Lahaina was once a whaling center and the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and it currently attracts around 2 million tourists each year. The fires have also burned in other areas such as Kihei, a coastal city in South Maui, and Kula, a residential area in the mountainous center of the island. Parts of the Big Island have also been affected. Reports from the U.S. Civil Air Patrol and Maui Fire Department indicate that 271 structures have been destroyed or damaged as a result of the fires.
The Hawaiian archipelago, located about 2,000 miles west of the U.S. mainland, consists of eight main islands, with the Big Island and Maui being among them.
The widespread destruction and loss of life caused by these wildfires highlight the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on extreme weather events. Scientists have linked climate change, fueled by fossil fuel use, to more frequent and intense wildfires worldwide. It is crucial for authorities and communities to prioritize measures to prevent and mitigate the devastating effects of such disasters.
Writing by Jonathan Oatis; Additional reporting by Andrew Hay; Editing by Lisa Shumaker