Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
9mo ago

Maui Wildfire Traced Back to Rekindled Blaze from Downed Power Line

A new report reveals that the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century reignited from a blaze initially believed to be extinguished, sparking a legal and safety overhaul.

Image
Image
Image
FILE — A burned building and cars in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Aug. 16, 2023. Hawaii’s attorney general released the latest findings on the 2023 fire that destroyed much of the town of Lahaina, finding a range of shortcomings in the response. (Go Nakamura/The New York Times)

Overview

  • The August 2023 wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, originated from a power line failure that ignited overgrown brush, according to the Maui Fire Department and ATF report.
  • High winds are believed to have rekindled the initial blaze, overwhelming firefighters and leading to the destruction of the historic town.
  • Communication failures and the lack of emergency sirens contributed to the chaos, leaving many residents without timely evacuation warnings.
  • The disaster resulted in 102 confirmed deaths, with victims ranging from 7 to 97 years old, surpassing the death toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in California.
  • A proposed $4 billion settlement involving Hawaiian Electric and other parties is pending court approval, with potential implications for insurance claims and future litigation.