In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, killing at least 100 people and leaving four persons missing in the town of Lahaina on Maui's northwest coast.
What started the fire in Hawaii 2023?
Hawaiian Electric admits its power lines started the Maui wildfire but says the fire department declared mission accomplished too soon. Linemen work on poles, Aug. 13, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii, following a deadly wildfire.
What Hawaiian island has the big fire?
The fires, which started the night of Aug. 8, wreaked widespread destruction in Lahaina. The city of about 13,000 people on northwestern Maui was once a whaling center and the Hawaiian Kingdom's capital, and now draws 2 million tourists a year.
What part of Hawaii is under fire?
How much of Hawaii is burned?
For most of the 20th century, Hawaii averaged about 5000 acres (about 20 square kilometers) burned per year, but that's now up to 15,000 to 20,000 acres, said University of Hawaii Manoa fire scientist Clay Trauernicht. “We've been getting these large events for the last 20 to 30 years,” he said from Oahu.
What happened in Lahaina Hawaii?
The wildfires killed at least 97 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, most of them homes. Some survivors jumped over a sea wall and sheltered in the waves, as hot black smoke blotted out the sun. Officials urged returning residents not to sift through the ashes for fear of raising toxic dust.
Why did Maui go on fire?
Hard winds had toppled utility poles, and flying sparks from downed power lines likely started the blaze. (The official cause is still under investigation, according to the Maui Fire Department.) Nearby residents were ordered to evacuate within three minutes.
What two islands in Hawaii are on fire?
Here's what to know about fires on Maui and Big Island. Devastating wildfires in the Hawaiian Islands – coupled with vast communication gaps created by the interruption of services – have many travelers in limbo as they struggle to leave the especially hard-hit island of Maui or reschedule imminent travel plans.