Lahaina, a historic resort city, currently lies in ruins|@GovJoshGreenMD|Twitter
A series of ferocious wildfires, which ignited on Tuesday night, has claimed 67 lives and left a trail of unprecedented destruction across the Hawaiian Islands.
While the exact origins of the fires are still under investigation, experts highlight a combination of factors that may have led to the ignition and rapid spread of the flames.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, a staggering 85% of wildfires in the country are caused by human activities, and 1% of fires are from natural causes.
The U.S. Drought Monitor issued a report highlighting abnormal dryness in parts of Hawaii, noting increased brush fires. The report also witnessed a surge in severe drought conditions in recent months and pointed out several factors behind the wildfire.
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Human influence: Industrial operations, transportation emissions, and factors like livestock and methane emissions have collectively elevated fire risks.
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Winds from Hurricane Dora: Hurricane Dora in the Pacific Ocean has been instrumental in fanning the flames. The strong winds contributed to the rapid progression of the wildfires.
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Flammable Grasses: One of the contributors to the fires is the presence of non-native grasses (such as guinea grass) that proliferated across the islands. These grasses, which make up 26% of Hawaii’s vegetation, are highly flammable and are instrumental in escalating the severity of fires.
Lahaina, a historic resort city, currently lies in ruins. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary has declared a public health emergency for the state of Hawaii.
The wildfires have become one of the worst natural disasters in Hawaii’s history.
While the Lahaina fire is now 85% under control, six fires rage across Maui and the Big Island. Maui County police shut down the roads leading to fire-hit Lahaina.