The decision not to activate emergency sirens during the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, has been defended by Maui County Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya. Andaya stated that sounding the sirens may have led people into the path of the fire, as residents are trained to seek higher ground when they hear the sirens. Instead, warnings were sent out via Wireless Emergency Alert and the Emergency Alert System, although these systems were affected by power outages on the island.
Andaya explained that sirens in other counties in Hawaii are not typically used for brushfires. He acknowledged that some residents did receive the alerts and were able to evacuate, but there were others who were not warned about the approaching disaster at all. This has caused residents to question why the sirens were not sounded, especially since the Maui government website states that they can be used for fires.
The response to the emergency is currently under investigation by Hawaii’s attorney general. The death toll is expected to rise significantly, with over a thousand people still unaccounted for. The fires have also resulted in the destruction of approximately 80% of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination.
Overall, the decision not to activate the emergency sirens was based on the concern that it would lead people towards the fire instead of away from it. While some residents did receive warnings and were able to evacuate, others were not given any prior notice of the approaching disaster. The investigation into the island’s response to the emergency is ongoing.
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