Overview

• The Fire Safety Research Institute's report found no evidence of pre-event preparedness by key Hawaiian agencies despite warnings of severe fire weather.
• More than 60% of the victims tried to flee, but many were trapped by traffic jams, downed power poles, and blocked escape routes.
• Firefighters and police made heroic efforts to warn residents, but their actions were hampered by a lack of coordinated planning and communication.
• The report identifies a long-standing pattern of underinvestment in wildfire prevention and preparedness in Hawaii, where other natural disasters are prioritized.
• Recommendations include better vegetation management, establishing fire weather procedures, and improving evacuation protocols to prevent future tragedies.