Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has unveiled the first phase of a comprehensive investigation into last year's catastrophic wildfires in Maui, providing new insights into the challenges faced during the disaster.
The initial report details how flying embers carried by strong winds, blinding smoke, and trapped first responders compounded efforts to extinguish the flames. These conditions created a formidable situation that hampered emergency responses during the critical 72-hour period surrounding the fires.
According to the latest statistics, the Maui wildfires resulted in the tragic loss of 101 lives and caused billions of dollars in damage, marking them as the worst wildfires in the United States in over a century based on data from the National Fire Protection Association.
The report stops short of identifying the origin of the fires but offers a detailed timeline of events before, during, and after the disaster. Its release comes just a day after the Western Fire Chiefs Association published an 84-page assessment highlighting significant issues in emergency preparation and coordination both prior to and following the tragedy.
The findings underscore the necessity for improved disaster readiness and coordination among emergency agencies—a message that resonates globally as regions grapple with the increasing frequency of natural disasters.
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Hawaii AG releases first phase report on deadly Maui wildfires
cgtn.com
