In the aftermath of the tragic wildfires that swept through Maui last week, resulting in over 100 fatalities, the Justice Department has dispatched federal emergency response teams to assist local authorities in determining the cause of the fires.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has sent a team of five investigators, including an electrical engineer from the ATF Fire Research Laboratory and a supervisor from the Arson and Explosives Group, to assist the Maui Police Department. This deployment aims to provide support and resources in investigating the origin and cause of the wildfires, ultimately bringing healing to the affected community.
While the ATF primarily focuses on law enforcement, their fire investigators often assist local entities in determining the cause of wildfires, even in cases where criminal activity is not suspected. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service has deployed 15 deputies to Maui to support local law enforcement efforts.
The Justice Department’s response also involves agents from the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration, with the DEA confirming the presence of 60 agents on Maui. The FBI’s Honolulu Division is assisting the Maui Police Department in locating and identifying missing individuals or potential wildfire victims by collecting DNA samples from their family members.
Under the authority of the federal Emergency Support Function #13, federal agencies mobilize to assist with local safety and security during natural and other disasters. While state and local authorities are responsible for the initial response, federal resources are engaged in situations where public safety and security require extensive support and local resources are overwhelmed.
Other federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, also play significant roles in emergency response efforts. However, the focus remains on determining the cause of the wildfires that have claimed the lives of over 110 people. The search for victims continues, and investigators are specifically examining whether power lines could have sparked the devastating fires.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency’s head resigned amid public scrutiny of their response to the blaze. The investigation into the origin of the fires is ongoing, and authorities are considering all possible factors, including potential power line involvement.
Overall, the deployment of federal emergency response teams exemplifies the commitment of the Justice Department and other federal agencies to support local authorities in addressing the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui.
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