Search and rescue teams are currently combing through the remains of a neighborhood in Lahaina, Hawaii, following the devastating wildfires that occurred on August 17, 2023.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has mobilized a specialized team, including an electrical engineer, to investigate the cause of the catastrophic Hawaii wildfires. There are growing concerns that downed electric poles may have sparked the blaze, putting the local power company under scrutiny.
The ATF’s national response team, consisting of an electrical engineer, three fire investigators, and an expert from the bureau’s arson and explosives group, is collaborating with Maui County fire officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the wildfires.
These unprecedented wildfires have tragically claimed the lives of at least 111 people, with the possibility of the death toll rising as search teams continue their efforts in the devastated town of Lahaina. This blaze marks the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century and is considered the worst disaster in Hawaii state history.
Hawaiian Electric, the local power company, has come under increased scrutiny for its failure to shut down power lines despite warnings from the National Weather Service about the high fire risk due to the combination of Hurricane Dora’s high winds and drought conditions in the area.
Furthermore, Hawaiian Electric is currently facing four lawsuits from Maui residents alleging that the company’s power lines played a significant role in the outbreak of the wildfires.
On Tuesday, August 8, when the brush fires initially began to spread, Hawaiian Electric released a statement revealing that 30 poles were down in West Maui, and 30 spans of power lines were down in Upcountry.
During a news conference on Monday, Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura stated that out of the 750 poles in West Maui, 400 were damaged or destroyed. Additionally, 300 out of 575 transformers were visibly damaged, and the Lahaina substation was completely destroyed.
According to Kimura, Hawaiian Electric does not currently have protocols in place to shut off power as a preventative measure against wildfires. Kimura explained that this practice is not universally accepted in the industry due to the potential hardships it may cause for individuals relying on specialized medical equipment.
Kimura also emphasized the critical role electricity plays in providing water to Lahaina, stating, “The electricity powers the pumps that provide the water, and so that was also a critical need during that time.”
An aerial view showcases the aftermath of the wildfire, revealing burned cars and homes in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
“There are various factors that need to be considered before making choices,” stated Kimura. “Each utility company evaluates the situation differently.”
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is conducting her own investigation into the local emergency response to the wildfires, as officials face criticism for not adequately warning the public.
During the blaze, the Maui Emergency Management Agency did not activate sirens. Herman Andaya, the agency’s administrator, recently resigned following his decision not to activate sirens. When questioned about any potential regrets, Andaya responded, “I do not.”
Andaya explained that the use of sirens is primarily reserved for tsunamis, and activating them during the wildfires could have led people to seek higher ground, putting them in more danger.
Governor Josh Green clarified that the review of the emergency response is not a criminal investigation.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
