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As firefighters battled to reach some locations that were shut off by downed trees and power lines late Tuesday, wildfires in Hawaii that were fanned by strong winds burnt numerous structures, compelled evacuations, and resulted in power disruptions in a number of villages.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora, which was passing safely 500 miles (805 kilometers) to the south of the island chain, was partially to blame for gusts over 60 mph (97 kph), which caused power outages as night fell, shook residences, and grounded firefighting helicopters.
On behalf of the absent Governor Josh Green, Acting Governor Sylvia Luke declared an emergency and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
On Maui, firefighters were putting out numerous fires that were centered in two places: the well-known tourist hotspot of West Maui and an inland, mountainous location.
According to County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin in a phone conversation late Tuesday, it was unclear how many buildings had burnt.
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Challenges for Firefighters Battling Inland Maui Flames
As firefighters battled to reach some locations that were shut off by downed trees and power lines late Tuesday, wildfires in Hawaii that were fanned by strong winds burnt numerous structures, compelled evacuations, and resulted in power disruptions in a number of villages.
Firefighters were confronting roads obstructed by downed trees and power lines as they battled the inland flames, Martin said, and helicopters were unable to drop water on the fires from the skies or assess more specific fire sizes due to the wind gusts.
Maui’s estimated 13,000 consumers were without electricity as of Tuesday night, according to Hawaiian Electric.
Inland Maui experienced winds of up to 80 mph (129 kph), and one fire that had been thought to be put out earlier in the day on Tuesday flared up again hours later as a result of the strong winds.
Firefighters were having a difficult time because of Hurricane Dora during the dry season.
Although not a direct result of Hurricane Dora, the flames are a side effect of the hurricane’s winds, therefore they are somewhat related to it.
Hawaii’s fires differ significantly from many of those raging in the US West. They are often much smaller than flames on the mainland and tend to start in expansive grasslands on the drier edges of the islands.
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Source: apnews.com
