The deadly wildfire that claimed at least 102 lives in Lahaina, Maui, last year was caused by downed power lines, according to findings presented by officials from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Maui Fire Department. The fire, which occurred on August 8, 2023, was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century and destroyed thousands of buildings in the historic town of Lahaina.
The fire was initially sparked by a Hawaiian Electric power line that fell early in the morning, igniting a fire in overgrown brush near the edge of town. Fire crews responded and believed they had extinguished the fire after several hours. However, the fire rekindled later in the day, likely due to high winds blowing undetected embers into a dry gully. Despite firefighters’ efforts, they were unable to control the wind-driven flames.
The aftermath of the fire was marked by communication issues between the police and fire departments, downed cellphone networks, and non-activated emergency sirens. Fallen power lines and poles blocked roads, contributing to gridlock that trapped fleeing residents in their cars as the fire advanced.
In the months following the fire, thousands of Lahaina residents sued various parties they believed to be at fault, including Hawaiian Electric, Maui County, and the state of Hawaii. A tentative $4 billion settlement has been reached, but it is currently tied up in court. The decision hinges on whether insurance companies can sue the defendants separately to recoup what they’ve paid to policyholders.
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