An “apocalyptic” wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui has killed 114 people, overwhelmed hospitals, crippled 9-1-1 phone service and even caused people to jump into the ocean to avoid the flames.
According to CNN and other news services, the catastrophic fires have been fueled by winds brought on by Hurricane Dora which is 800 miles away in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNN that 911 is down and the hospital system on Maui is “overburdened with burn patients, people suffering from inhalation.”
To date, 14,000 homes and businesses in Hawaii have lost power and various areas of the island are in flames. Lahaina which is just north of Kihei is devastated, that’s the area where people are literally jumping into the ocean to avoid being burned. Hawaii is asking boat owners to help rescue people.
According to Hawaii News Now, the high winds from Dora blew down power lines. For the Hawaii wildfire attorneys at Singleton Schreiber, this is not a new story.
“Communications are crippled, tourists are stranded, lives are in danger, and this historic fire is destroying this tropical landscape,” said fire litigation attorney Gerald Singleton. “Our thoughts go out to those living in the region and those dealing with this disaster.”
Anyone impacted by the fire can contact Singleton Schreiber to get assistance on how to reclaim government documents, file legal claims and get help on next steps by calling 808-582-8062 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
Maui Fire Destroys Structures and Lives
A popular tourist destination, Front Street, was consumed by a wall of flames with buildings being engulfed on both sides. Fire trucks couldn’t get into the area to fight the blaze, and mandatory evacuation orders are in place for parts of Maui.
The Hawaii National Guard is assisting, but with so much damage it’s almost not enough. Hurricane Dora, a category 4 hurricane, has winds of up to 130 mph which are pushing the flames around the island.
The hospital systems are so overwhelmed that Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Director Jim Ireland said patients are being airlifted to Oahu for help. As of Wednesday, August 9, 8 patients were transferred to Oahu, 3 in critical condition. The Coast Guard is rescuing people, but Lahaina is likely burned beyond recognition.
According to Hawaii News Now, there are 7 sizable wildfires statewide being fueled by powerful winds, low humidity and dry brush. This is Hawaii’s dry season, but abnormal trade winds have kept rains away from the islands, drying things out further. Coupled with the extremely high winds from Dora, and Hawaii is an historic dry state. Businesses have lost millions of dollars just in the short time the fires started, homes have been destroyed, and while no deaths have yet been reported, severe injuries are popping up.
While the conditions are allowing the spread, officials have not stated what exactly caused the initial fire to break out.
Hawaii has had its fair share of fires, many of which are exacerbated by non-native grasses and shrubs that have invaded the islands over the years. Historically, wildfires were less common due to the native forests that occupied the islands, with vegetation adapted to the local climate and providing more resistance to fires.
However, with the arrival of Polynesians around 1,500 years ago, and later Westerners, the introduction of non-native plants, cattle, and other invasive species began changing the landscape. Fast-growing grasses like fountain grass and Guinea grass, brought for decorative or agricultural purposes, became fuel for wildfires.
In recent history, the frequency and size of fires have been on the rise. One of the factors exacerbating this trend is the increasing presence of abandoned agricultural lands, where introduced grasses take over and provide a ready source of fuel. In addition, droughts and human activities have contributed to ignition sources.
Efforts have been made to combat the proliferation of wildfires in Hawaii, including public education campaigns, the establishment of firebreaks, and controlled burns. The goal is not only to protect properties and human life but also the unique and fragile ecosystems that call Hawaii home.
“Hawaii is a tropical paradise that’s being burned down before our eyes,” Mr. Singleton added. “We hope to find what spark led to this outbreak of destruction, and we hope the people there stay safe and sound. Qualified Hawaiian wildfire attorneys are necessary right now, because the rights of those impacted by the fires must be protected.”
Anyone impacted by the fire can contact Singleton Schreiber to get assistance on how to reclaim government documents, file legal claims and get help on next steps by calling 808-582-8062 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
