Just three weeks after destructive blazes in west Maui claimed 115 lives, forecasters warn of increased fire risks in parts of the Hawaiian islands.
The National Weather Service sounded red flag warnings for the leeward sides of all islands due to low humidity and strong winds, signifying the potential spread of wildfires. However, these winds aren’t expected to be as fierce as those that escalated the Maui fires on August 8.
Thursday’s dry conditions combined with wind gusts mean that any ongoing or new fires could spread rapidly, though it doesn’t guarantee the initiation of new blazes, states AccuWeather meteorologist Haley Taylor. Pressure differences across the islands are producing these high winds, with gusts forecasted to reach up to 40 to 50 mph, especially downwind of higher terrains on Maui and the Big Island.
The Hawaii wildfire threat is expected to decrease in the coming days as winds begin to slow and humidity increases. More rain is also likely over the Big Island from Friday night into Saturday, which could help reduce fire threats and improve air quality.
If you live in or are visiting Hawaii during this time, it’s important to stay aware of the potential for fires and be prepared for their rapid spread
It’s yet unclear what precisely triggered the Lahaina fires, but conditions were ripe for rapid spread due to extremely dry vegetation, powerful winds from Hurricane Dora, and a drought. Winds on that tragic day reached speeds above 60 mph.
Over the past 30 years, there has been a noticeable surge in Hawaiian wildfires, coinciding with a significant drop in rainfall.
For those affected by the Lahaina wildfire, securing compensation for damages is crucial. Victims can contact Justin for Justice to ensure they receive the rightful insurance compensation for their losses.
