Maui fire, Several big wildfires blazing in Hawaii triggered mass evacuations and significant power disruptions, while the US Coast Guard rescued at least 12 individuals who had run into the water to escape the smoke and flames.
The fires, which were sparked by dry weather and strong winds associated with Hurricane Dora, caused road closures and structural damage on the Hawaiian island of Maui, notably in the famous tourist resort of Lahaina. Other fires on Hawaii’s Big Island caused officials to issue a warning about an “imminent disaster due to property damage and/or bodily injury.”
Maui Fire Forces Evacuations, National Guard Mobilized
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke (D) proclaimed an emergency relief period on Tuesday that would last until at least August 15, and mobilized the Hawaii National Guard to assist with evacuation operations and disaster response. Hundreds of acres have been burned in areas like Kula, North Kohala, and South Kohala.
Drought Conditions Prepare Maui for Wildfires
Months of drought have prepared the islands for fire dangers, with more than a third of Maui County experiencing moderate dryness as of Aug. 1, according to the US Drought Monitor. In June, abnormally dry conditions occurred quickly and have persisted, with slightly below-normal precipitation at a generally dry time of year.
Fires have spread swiftly due to weather trends. A powerful high-pressure system to the north of the islands is keeping things dry and bright, and tradewinds have picked up as Category 4 Dora approaches hundreds of miles to the south. According to the National Weather Service, the contrast between that high-pressure zone and Dora’s low pressure has fueled devastating winds.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued high-wind advisories for parts of Maui, with gusts reaching 60 mph. The warning was reduced to an advisory on Wednesday morning as winds began to subside; just a few sites reported gusts of more than 50 mph, according to the Weather Service.
Winds will continue to ease Wednesday and in the following days as Dora travels westward away from Hawaii, according to the Weather Service, but beneficial rain is not forecast.
“Dry and stable conditions will persist today, with near zero rainfall expected in most locations,” Weather Service meteorologists said in a forecast discussion Wednesday morning.
Maui Wildfires Cause Power Outages, Traffic Delays, and Evacuations
More than 14,000 consumers lost electricity across the island. People attempting to drive to safety reported long traffic delays and road closures on Twitter, which was just renamed X. The National Weather Service has issued a travel advisory for “difficult travel.”
Videos that have been shared on social media On Wednesday, flames engulfed the streets of Lahaina, a town of around 13,000 people. 911 service was not accessible in West Maui.
Maui’s largest airport, Kahului, was sheltering 2,000 people due to arrivals and canceled flights. The administration of Hawaii discouraged non-essential flight travel to the state.