Large-scale wildfire in Hawaii: what is known about the causes, victims and consequences

Deadly wildfires in Hawaii have killed 55 people and forced thousands to evacuate due to a combination of ground and atmospheric conditions that can create "fire weather". A huge fire destroyed much of the historic city of Lahaina on Maui. Writes about it CBS News.

Photo: IStock

The US Coast Guard said the crews rescued 17 people who jumped into Lahaina harbor trying to escape the fire. On Front Street, a popular tourist destination, business owner Alan Dickkar described seeing buildings on both sides of the street "engulfed" in flames.

“There were no fire trucks at the time. Maybe. firefighters were overwhelmed,” he suggested.

Disappointed by what had happened, the businessman remarked, “Maui can't handle this. Many people simply lost their jobs because their businesses burned down. Many people have lost their homes. It will be devastating for Maui."

What caused the Maui fire

When the wildfires broke out, most of Hawaii was under a "red flag" warning of the danger of fires, but the exact cause of the fire is still not known.

On the subject: Fires continue to rage in Hawaii: 36 dead and unprecedented destruction

"We don't know what actually caused the fires, but the National Weather Service told us in advance that we were in a red flag situation - dry conditions for a long time, so the fuel, trees and everything else were dry," the general said. Maj. Kenneth Hara, commander of the Hawaii National Guard. According to him, this, along with low humidity and strong winds, “created the conditions for forest fires.”

People escaping the maui fire in the ocean. pic.twitter.com/ATnGtBulK0

— Derek Broes (@WillingWitness) August 11

“The winds were just out of control. Power lines were down everywhere, said Maui resident J.D. Hessemer, who owned a business in Lahaina. “We decided it wasn’t safe to stay here.”

The National Weather Service said the powerful winds fanning the flames were caused by Hurricane Dora, a storm that was moving across the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of Hawaii.

The Central Pacific Hurricane Center classified the storm as a Category 4 storm. It contributed to strong gusts of over 60 miles (96,5 km) per hour that swept through Maui, damaging power lines and homes.

National Guard helicopters deployed as part of the state's emergency response to the wildfires were halted due to increased wind gusts on the evening of August 8.

Acting Hawaii Governor Sylvia Luke issued an emergency order allowing the deployment of National Guard troops and extended the state of emergency on Aug. 9.

Officials from the National Weather Service tweeted Sunday (Aug. 6) that a significant difference in barometric pressure between the hurricane and the air north of Hawaii has created a pressure gradient over the islands that, combined with dry conditions, has created a serious fire threat as well as damaging winds.

“While Hurricane Dora is moving far south without affecting the island, a strong pressure gradient between it and high pressure to the north poses a threat of damaging winds and fires (due to continued dry conditions) from early Monday to Wednesday (Aug 7-9),” - the agency said in a statement dated August 6.

How wildfires usually start

Nearly 85% of wildfires in the US are caused by humans, according to the National Park Service. Fires can result from accidentally leaving campfires unattended, burning garbage, using miscellaneous equipment, and improperly disposing of cigarettes. The agency says deliberate arson is another source of man-made wildfires.

Lightning and volcanic activity are two natural causes of wildfires, although officials note that lightning strikes are a much more common catalyst.

Certain weather can start fires and help spread fires, and strong winds, low relative humidity, unstable atmospheric conditions and thunderstorms contribute to what meteorologists call “fire weather,” explained Nick Nauslar, meteorologist and former weather forecaster for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA).

Most often, according to NOAA, lightning strikes a tree and starts a fire, but strong winds can also cause sparks on power lines, which can start wildfires if there is dry grass or shrubs in the area.

Warning graphic video!! survivor escaping the Lahaina Maui Hawaii fire pray for the families of the survivors #lahainafire #Hawaiifire #Pray4hawaii pic.twitter.com/hbiLJfquOb

— Charbel H.Najem (@ChNajem) August 10

Forest fires can spread rapidly in hot and dry weather conditions as well as windy conditions. It is especially dangerous when these factors coincide. Wildfire season in Canada and across North America has been tough this year as warm and dry conditions persist and parts of the continent experience record heat and drought as a result of climate change.

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Maui fire officials warned that "unstable winds, difficult terrain, steep slopes and falling humidity, and the direction and location of fire conditions make it difficult to predict the path and speed of a forest fire." They note that "fires can start at a great distance from their source" when the wind pushes the embers up and sparks are ignited in the wind.

“A fire could start a mile or more from your home, but within a minute or two it could be in your home,” said Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Geesey. “The combustion of airborne materials can ignite a fire at a great distance from the main source of fire.”

The wildfires that tore through Maui killed two more people, bringing the death toll from the Lahaina fire to 55, Maui officials said.

Updates will be threaded here throughout the day. https://t.co/vh5AomzmNr pic.twitter.com/iLFOJTbXbr

- The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 11

Where were the fires on Maui

The fire raged on August 8 in the evening in Lahaina, which is located in West Maui. County officials told people on Twitter that roads in the area were closed. Already on August 9, the fiery element affected Kulu, the inner part of the island. Crews fought both wildfires and building fires in West Maui and northern areas late in the evening as people evacuated, county officials said.

By August 10, officials said the fires around Lahaina were 80% contained, but much of the city had been destroyed.

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