2023 Hawaii wildfires

2023 Hawaii wildfires
Date(s)	August 8, 2023 – present
Location	Hawaii, United States
Statistics
Total fires	4+
Total area	17,000+ acres (6,879+ ha)
Impacts
Deaths	93
Non-fatal injuries	26+
Missing people	1,000+
Structures destroyed	2,207
Damage	~$6 billion (as of August 12)
Ignition
Cause	Unknown
Map

In early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in the U.S. state of Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and killed at least 93 people in the town of Lāhainā; at least 1,000 people remain missing. The proliferation of the wildfires was attributed to dry, gusty conditions created by a strong high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south.

An emergency declaration was signed on August 8, authorizing several actions, including activation of the Hawaii National Guard, appropriate actions by the director of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator of Emergency Management, and the expenditure of state general revenue funds for relief of conditions created by the fires. By August 9, the state government of Hawaii issued a state of emergency for the entirety of the state. On August 10, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a federal major disaster declaration.

As of August 12, the Lāhainā fire's death toll is the largest in the United States since the Cloquet fire of 1918. For the Lāhainā fire alone, the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that over 2,200 buildings had been destroyed, overwhelmingly residential in nature and including many historic landmarks in Lāhainā. The damage caused by the fire has been estimated at nearly $6 billion.

Background

Wildfire risk

The U.S. Drought Monitor showing drought conditions in Hawaii as of August 8, 2023

The typical area burned by wildfires in Hawaii has increased in recent decades, almost quadrupling. Experts have blamed the increase on the spread of non-native vegetation and hotter, drier weather due to climate change. Days prior to the fire, twenty percent of the county of Maui was experiencing moderate drought (level 1 of 4), and sixteen percent of the county was under severe drought conditions (level 2 of 4). A decrease in rainfall consistent with the predicted impacts of climate change had also been recorded in the Hawaiian islands, according to the U.S. National Climate Assessment.

In Maui County's 2020 Hazard Mitigation Plan, the county identified Lāhainā, the most heavily impacted community in the August fires, as lying within a high risk zone for wildfire.

In its monthly seasonal outlook on August 1, 2023, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) forecast "above normal" potential for significant wildland fires for Hawaii in August, concentrated on the islands' leeward sides. In addition to noting plentiful vegetation growth from the previous wet season and the expanding drought, the NIFC mentioned that "tropical cyclones can also bring windy and dry conditions depending on how they approach the island chain and can exacerbate fire growth potential".

The vulnerability of the islands to deadly wildfires was gravely underestimated in long term assessments. A year prior, the State of Hawaii Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Report had detailed wildfire risks as one of the lowest threats for the state. An assessment in 2021 acknowledged the spike of wildfires in the state, but described funds as "inadequate" and heavily criticized the Maui County fire department strategies claiming it said: "nothing about what can and should be done to prevent fires."

Weather factors

See also: Hurricane Dora (2023)

Wind speeds/gusts from Hurricane Dora near the Hawaiian Islands on August 8.

In early August 2023, a high-pressure system remained north of the Hawaiian islands. This formed strong surface pressure north of the islands, and also sustained stabilization across the region, creating warm and sunny conditions. Concurrently, Hurricane Dora began to intensify to Category 4 strength, creating a large pressure difference between the high-pressure area and the low-pressure cyclone. This pressure difference aided in already significant trade winds moving southwest, and formed strong gradient winds over the islands. A similar phenomenon occurred in 2017 in Portugal during the passage of Hurricane Ophelia. The exact significance of Hurricane Dora and how it impacted the fires themselves remains somewhat unclear, but many climate experts believe Dora played a part. Meteorologists noted that the storm's center remained more than 700 miles (1,100 km) from the islands and that it remained relatively small in size; however it also remained "remarkably potent for a long time", logging more hours as a Category 4 hurricane than any other storm in the Pacific for over 50 years.

By August 6, The National Weather Service identified a region of very dry air arriving from the east pacific, which would greatly inhibit the potential for rainfall. A prominent descending capping inversion forced even more stabilization of the atmosphere, which led to enhanced wind gusts and very dry conditions between August 7 and 8. As the day progressed, the situation only ramped up. Deep layer ridging combined with the existing pressure gradient created very strong wind gusts, and very below normal humidity levels. The aforementioned cap was expected to only strengthen acceleration of wind due to terrain features near the islands.

Timeline

Satellite infrared imagery loop of the fires on August 8

At 5:00 a.m. HST (UTC 15:00) on August 7, the National Weather Service's office in Honolulu issued a red flag warning for the leeward portions of all the islands until the morning of August 9, highlighting that "very dry fuels combined with strong and gusty easterly winds and low humidities will produce critical fire weather conditions through Tuesday night". East winds of 30–45 miles per hour (48–72 km/h) with gusts over 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) were forecast. In Maui County, officials reported gusts up to 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) in the Upcountry Maui area.

Maui

On August 4, 2023 at 11:01am HST (UTC 21:01), the first of many small fires ignited in Maui. A 30 acre bush fire was reported adjacent to the Kahului Airport in a field. By 9:29 p.m. HST (UTC 07:29), the fire was reported 90% contained.

On August 8, 2023, intense winds knocked down many utility poles. By 4:55 p.m. HST (UTC 02:55), "about 30 downed poles" had been reported on Maui, resulting in "at least 15 separate outages impacting more than 12,400 customers". By that time, there had been no power in some parts of West Maui since 4:50 a.m. HST (UTC 14:50).

Kula

The first significant fire of the event was reported at 12:22 a.m. HST (UTC 10:30) on August 8 near Olinda Road in the community of Kula, in the area of Upcountry Maui. Evacuations of nearby residents were announced beginning at 3:43 a.m. (UTC 13:43). As of August 9, the fire had burned approximately 1,000 acres (400 ha). Approximately 544 structures were exposed, 96% of which were residential, and 16 were burned.

Lāhainā

The most significant fire of the event began from unknown causes in the early morning hours of August 8 adjacent to the town of Lāhainā in West Maui. A three-acre (1.2 ha) brush fire near Lahainaluna Road was first reported at 6:37 a.m. HST (UTC 16:37) on August 8, with evacuations following minutes later in the area of Lāhainā Intermediate School on the northeast side of the town. Maui County reported that the fire was 100% contained by 9:00 a.m HST (UTC 19:00). However, this was followed by an announcement at about 3:30 p.m. HST (UTC 01:30) that the fire had flared up again and forced the closure of Lāhainā Bypass/Route 3000, with evacuations nearby following. Residents on the west side of town received instructions to shelter in place.

The wildfire rapidly grew in both size and intensity. Wind gusts pushed the flames through the northeastern region of the community, and then the fire moved southwest and downslope towards the Pacific coast and the Kahoma neighborhood. Around 4:46 p.m. HST (UTC 02:46), the fire reportedly crossed Honoapiʻilani Highway (Hawaii Route 30) and entered the main part of Lāhainā, forcing residents to self-evacuate, with little or no prior notice. By 5:45 p.m. HST (UTC 03:45), the fire had reached the shoreline, when the United States Coast Guard first learned of people jumping into the ocean at Lāhainā to escape the fire.

Officials said that civil defense sirens were not activated during the fire despite the fact that the state has the world's largest integrated outdoor siren warning system, with over 80 sirens on Maui alone meant to be used in cases of natural disasters. Several residents later told journalists that they had received no warning and did not know what was happening until they encountered smoke or flames. There had been no power or communications in Lāhainā for much of the day.

Lāhainā Lighthouse surrounded by August 2023 wildfire ruins

As of August 12, at least 93 people had been confirmed dead in and around Lāhainā with only 3% of the area searched. The number of dead was expected to rise further as FEMA search-and-rescue specialists searched the interiors of burned-down buildings. Only a very small number of victims have been identified. The death toll stood at 67 on August 11, but that number reflected only victims found outside of buildings because local authorities had been waiting for FEMA to send its specialized personnel. According to federal officials, many of the victims found outside "were believed to have died in their vehicles". The fire burned 2,170 acres (880 ha) of land. PDC and FEMA estimated that 2,207 buildings had been destroyed, with a total of 2,719 exposed to the fires, and set the damage estimate at $5.52 billion as of August 11, 2023. The following day, Governor Josh Green announced the damage was close to $6 billion. Many historic structures were destroyed, including Waiola Church and Pioneer Inn. 86% of burned structures in Lāhaina were residential.

Kīhei

A third major fire in Kīhei also led to an evacuation of nearby residents.

Other fires

Additional fires in Maui on August 9 caused a handful of flights to be delayed.

A fire on August 11 led to the evacuation of Kāʻanapali in West Maui before it was contained.

Hawaii Island

In Hawaii County, neighborhoods in the North and South Kohala districts of the Island of Hawaii were evacuated due to rapidly spreading brush fires. On August 9, several other brush fires broke out near the communities of Nā'ālehu and Pāhala; those fires were quickly brought under control. Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said there were no reports of injuries or destroyed homes on the Big Island.

Oahu

Multiple brush fires burned on the island of Oahu in the first week of August, stretching fire department resources, and were contained by August 4. The island's south and west sides remain abnormally dry or in drought.

Impact

The governor of the state of Hawaii, Josh Green, referred to the wildfires as the "worst natural disaster" in the history of Hawaii. It is the 5th deadliest wildfire in United States history, and the most lethal wildfire in the country since the Cloquet fire of 1918, which killed 453 people.

On August 11, unsafe water alerts were issued as early as 3 p.m. (01:00 UTC) warning residents of Lāhainā and Upper Kula, with instructions to not drink or use tap water for daily activities, even after boiling, and all residents were requested to limit water use. Following earlier deployments on August 9, further potable water tankers were set up at locations across the island.

Casualties

As of August 12, 2023, there were 93 confirmed deaths, and at least 1,000 other individuals were unaccounted for due to the Lāhainā fire on Maui. Only two victims have been identified. The death toll in West Maui made it the deadliest wildfire and natural disaster ever recorded in Hawaii since statehood.

As of August 9, at least twenty individuals had been hospitalized at a Maui hospital. Six individuals, three of whom with critical burns, had been transported by air ambulance from Maui to hospitals on Oahu.

Damage

Damaged buildings in the Lāhainā area.

The main Maui wildfire burned much of the community of Lāhainā, where more than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed, including much of the downtown Lāhainā Historic District centered on Front Street. 96% of burned structures were residential. The Lāhainā Historic District, which was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii for 35 years, suffered extensive fire damage. Among the structures destroyed were Waiola Church and Pioneer Inn. Lāhainā's famous banyan tree, the largest banyan tree in the United States, had most of its foliage charred, though was left standing after the fire. A video taken on August 11 showed local officials watering the tree to aid its recovery. At least some green foliage appeared to be present and the roots, trunks, and branches of the tree were largely undamaged.

Tamara Paltin, who represents Lāhainā in the Maui County Council, reported several destroyed or severely damaged historic landmarks in the Lāhainā Historic District in a brief interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, including:

• The Waiola Church, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in May 2023, lost its main sanctuary, annex, and social hall. Waiola Church's cemetery is the burial ground for members of the Hawaiian Royal Family, including Queen Keōpūolani, who founded the church in 1823.
• The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lāhainā, which had been dedicated in 1858. Contrary to early reports, the main church building and steeple were not destroyed and survived the fire largely intact, though the roof and interior may have sustained some damage.
• The Lāhainā Jodo Mission, a Buddhist temple in northern Lāhainā. Established in 1912 and stood on its current location since 1932.
• The Pioneer Inn, a landmark town hotel constructed by George Alan Freeland in 1901.
• The Na Aikana Cultural Center, a local cultural center which once housed a soup kitchen for striking plantation workers during an International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) strike against the Pioneer Mill.
• The Old Lāhainā Courthouse, which first operated in 1860 as a customs house for trade and whaling ships. The building's roof was completely destroyed. The Old Lāhainā Courthouse stands in heavily damaged Lāhainā Banyan Court Park.
  • The Lāhainā Heritage Museum and its collection, which were housed inside the Old Courthouse building, were also destroyed. The collection included items that spanned Lāhainā's history, including artifacts from the area's ancient Hawaiian period, the Hawaiian Kingdom and monarchy, the plantation period, and the town's whaling era. Copies of the museum's documents had been digitized and stored online prior to the fire.

    

    Burned cars, Front Street, Lāhainā

• The Baldwin Home Museum, which was constructed in 1834 and 1835 as the home of American missionaries Dwight Baldwin and Charlotte Fowler Baldwin, burned to the ground. The Baldwin Home was the oldest house on the island of Maui. Historic items lost in the house fire included Baldwin's medical instruments he used to vaccinate much of Maui's population against smallpox in the 1800s, seashell collections, and the family's furniture and rocking chairs from the East Coast.
• The Wo Hing Society Hall, built in the early 1910s to serve the growing Chinese population in Lāhainā. It was restored and turned into the Wo Hing Museum in the 1980s.

The fire also destroyed several cell towers in affected areas, causing service outages and 9-1-1 emergency telephone services to be rendered unavailable.

The wildfire that burned near the community of Kula destroyed at least two homes.

The Lāhainā Civic Center, venue for the Maui Invitational Tournament, a prominent early-season college men's basketball event, has so far escaped significant damage, although it had to be evacuated after earlier serving as an evacuation center. It remains to be seen whether the 2023 tournament, scheduled for November, will be held on Maui or moved to the U.S. mainland.

Evacuations

The fires prompted mass evacuations of thousands of residents and visitors from Lāhaina, Kāʻanapali, Kīhei, and Kula. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that they had rescued 17 people who had jumped into the sea in Lāhainā to escape the fires. As of August 12, more than 1,400 people on Maui remained in shelters. Vacationing San Francisco mayor London Breed was among those evacuated from Maui.

An estimated 11,000 people flew out of Maui via Kahului Airport on August 9, 2023. As of August 12, approximately 40,000 people had left Maui.

American, Southwest, Hawaiian, and Alaska Airlines had added additional flights to their routes into Kahului Airport by August 10 to help evacuate people from the island, and American replaced a narrow-body Airbus A321 with a wide-body Boeing 777 to further boost capacity. All four airlines had also reportedly waived fare cancellation penalties and fare-difference fees for affected passengers, and Hawaiian and Southwest offered temporary $19 interisland flights until August 11.

Hawaiian state officials created plans to house visitors along with thousands of displaced Maui residents at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, Oahu and over 100 had stayed as of August 10.

After the fire swept through Lāhainā on August 8, Maui County blocked public access to all of West Maui with checkpoints on Route 30/340 (Honoapiʻilani Highway, the only highway in and out of the area). Over the next three days, the blockade created a desperate situation for residents of still-intact communities who ran low on medicine, food, and fuel, while other residents and tourists who suddenly found themselves outside of the blockade wished to retrieve their belongings. On August 11, 2023, the County reopened the checkpoint on Route 30 at Māʻalaea to help ameliorate these issues. Within five hours, the checkpoint was closed again, reportedly because of attempts to enter the sealed-off portion of Lāhainā.

Response

A Hawaii Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter performs an aerial water bucket drop on a Maui wildfire on August 9

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who was serving as acting governor in the absence of Governor Josh Green while he was traveling outside of Hawaii, issued an emergency proclamation and activated the Hawaii National Guard. The Hawaii National Guard, together with the 25th Infantry Division from Schofield Barracks on Oahu, deployed to Maui and Hawaii Island to assist with fire suppression support, search and rescue operations, and traffic control. Two UH-60 Blackhawk and one CH-47 Chinook helicopters were also deployed to support fire suppression efforts.

As of August 9, 2023, the Hawaii Tourism Authority was asking all visitors in Maui for non-essential travel to leave the island and strongly discouraged any further non-essential travel to the island.

U.S. President Joe Biden ordered the mobilization of "all available federal assets" to help respond to the wildfires. In a statement, Biden noted that the United States Navy Third Fleet and the United States Coast Guard were supporting "response and rescue efforts". The United States Marine Corps was providing Black Hawk helicopters to help fight fires in Hawaii County, and the United States Department of Transportation was working with commercial airlines to help evacuate tourists from Maui. To help with the ongoing Coast Guard search and rescue operation, the United States Navy sent in Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Three Seven (HSM-37) and two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, with the United States Indo-Pacific Command standing ready to provide additional assistance as needed.

President Biden approved the state of Hawaii's request for a major disaster declaration on August 10, making federal funding available for recovery efforts in the affected areas. On August 10, FEMA initiated deployment of Urban Search and Rescue Task Force personnel from around the United States to Maui. Washington State Task Force 1 sent 45 specialists along with a 5-member K-9 team. Each human member of the K-9 team works with a canine partner, a FEMA-certified human remains detection dog. The same task force had previously deployed to Maui in 2018 to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Lane. On August 10, Nevada Task Force 1 was initially asked to send one K-9 handler and dog, who left that same day. The request was amended to four more specialists, then on top of that, a full 45-member task force team, all of whom flew out on August 11. California sent 11 members of Urban Search and Rescue task forces based in the cities of Sacramento, Riverside, and Oakland, and six employees of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Previously closed to prioritize emergency services, access to West Maui via Honoapiʻilani Highway for residents with proof of residency and visitors with proof of hotel reservations was resumed beginning at 12 p.m. (UTC 22:00) on August 11. However, at 4 p.m. (UTC 02:00) access was again restricted due to reports of people accessing restricted areas despite hazardous condition. Access was reopened the following day through Waihee (from the north) only.

On August 11, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced that her department would conduct a "comprehensive review of critical decision-making and standing policies" surrounding the wildfires.

External links

• Media related to 2023 Hawaii wildfires at Wikimedia Commons