Challenges and Bravery Amid Maui's Devastating Wildfires

An investigation into the tragic Maui wildfires that resulted in the loss of 101 lives, the destruction of numerous homes, and $6 billion in damages has uncovered several issues with emergency planning and coordination leading up to and during the crisis.

Some of the problems identified include the use of "WhatsApp" by chief officers and some Maui Fire Department staff for updates on the situation, even though not all department members were using the app. Additionally, there was only minimal positioning of staff and equipment after a red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service before the outbreak of four major wildfires on August 8, 2023.

The Western Fire Chiefs Association recently released an 84-page report. The report recognizes the limited resources on the whole island, which were greatly strained by the size and impact of the incidents.

Maui resident David Gobel describes his families escape from the devastating wildfire

Noah Tomkinson / LSM

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After analyzing over 200 interviews and various data sets, it is evident that the four major wildfires placed unprecedented strain on the Maui Fire Department. However, the combined efforts of MFD and law enforcement resulted in the saving of many lives and properties across the island.

Almost all MFD staff and vehicle resources in Maui were deployed during the crisis. The emergency response system remained intact but faced challenges due to the severe weather and fire conditions. Staff worked tirelessly for shifts lasting 36 hours or more, risking their lives to contain the fires and protect the community.

The fire chief association's report has already uncovered various challenges and provided 111 recommendations on how to prevent or reduce similar disasters in the future. This report was made public just one day before Hawaii's Attorney General Anne Lopez was scheduled to share the initial findings of an investigation conducted by her office and the Fire Safety Research Institute on Wednesday.

The 84-page report revealed that calls and text messages are the main ways to communicate with staff for vehicle deployment. Some staff members were not reached and were unaware of ongoing incident activities. Chief Officers and certain MFD staff use the 'WhatsApp' application for situational updates, but not everyone in the department uses it.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya spoke at a news conference.

Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya spoke at a news conference.

KGMB/KHNL

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The report recommended the implementation of an automated system to alert all staff in the event of a major deployment. It also proposed allowing battalion chiefs to take command vehicles home so that off-duty chiefs can quickly respond from their residences during emergencies.

The report highlights that there are currently no formal County inter-island or State mutual aid agreements among fire departments. This lack of agreements leads to a slow and complicated process for moving equipment when needed. However, the report emphasizes the importance of additional staffing during challenging times, as it can greatly support firefighting operations.

To address these challenges, the report suggests the implementation of a statewide mutual aid agreement. Additionally, it proposes the creation of an "inter-island engine fleet program," where the State would acquire and maintain a specific number of Type 3, Type 4-6 engines for shared use on each island. By standardizing the model and type of engines, training and operations can be consistent across all islands.

After the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning on August 5 for August 7-9, the report stated that there was minimal upstaffing and pre-positioning of resources.

According to the report, Battalion Chiefs began upstaffing for some resources on the morning of August 8, which was the same day the four major wildfires started.

The report suggests setting up an intelligence center to keep track of ongoing and future emergency situations and to make it easier to share important information. It also proposes increasing staff and resources based on the intelligence gathered.

Aerial view of wildfires in Texasm U.S., February 27, 2024 in this picture obtained from social media. Patrick Ryan/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES.

An aerial view of wildfires in Texas, U.S. on February 27, 2024 is shown in this picture obtained from social media. The image was taken by Patrick Ryan and shared via Reuters. Please note that this image has been supplied by a third party. Credit is mandatory for use, and there are no resales or archives allowed.

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The public’s awareness and understanding of wildfire risks are crucial. According to the report, similar to the mainland, many may not realize the seriousness of escalating wildfire issues until an emergency occurs, as seen in August.

Numerous studies conducted since 2010 have focused on climate change, fuel conditions, and the increasing demands on firefighters. Policymakers are tasked with determining if public education is enough or if policy and enforcement changes are needed to effectively tackle the wildfire problem.

The report highlighted various difficulties during evacuations, such as communication issues and barriers that impeded the process.

According to the report, on August 8, evacuation routes on the island were blocked by fallen power poles, trees, and wires, making it even harder to access and leave certain areas.

MFD asked the police to help with evacuations through the radio. Even though the police were part of the ICS structure, they were not always located at the Incident Command Posts (ICP) due to the changing nature of the incidents and staffing limitations.

In an aerial view, a power pole stands over burned cars and homes in a neighborhood that was destroyed by a wildfire on August 17, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. At least 111 people were killed and thousands were displaced after a wind driven wildfire devastated the towns of Lahaina and Kula early last week. Crews are continuing to search for missing people.

An aerial view shows a power pole towering over burnt cars and homes in a neighborhood that was ravaged by a wildfire on August 17, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. Last week, a wind-driven wildfire tore through the towns of Lahaina and Kula, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 111 individuals and leaving thousands without homes. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate those who are still missing.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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The report recommends collaborating with law enforcement and state emergency management officials to identify important access routes and create backup plans.

After pinpointing these key access routes, it is suggested to work together with the Hawaiian Electric Company to possibly relocate nearby infrastructure, such as underground, to improve the safety of evacuation routes.

Trying to communicate evacuations to tourists who speak different languages can be a big challenge, according to the report. It suggests working together with state emergency management officials to send out evacuation notifications in multiple languages.

Changes are already happening, although some questions are still unanswered. It has been seven months since the tragic wildfires, but the reason behind the deadliest blaze, the Lahaina fire, which claimed 101 lives and destroyed thousands of acres, remains unknown.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is currently investigating the situation, according to Maui Fire Department Chief Brad Ventura.

Chief Ventura praised his firefighters for their heroic efforts in saving numerous lives, even in the midst of personal tragedy.

In Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, a devastating wildfire has left homes and buildings destroyed and reduced to ashes. The fire, which started on August 8, has claimed the lives of at least 36 people and put thousands of acres of land at risk. Visitors to the island of Maui were left stranded at the airport as the fast-moving wildfire engulfed the town.

Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

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Ventura shared on Tuesday that firefighters in Lahaina were bravely battling the flames even as they were aware that their own homes were being consumed by the fire.

Ventura, the fire official, initiated an independent 84-page report that highlighted the challenges faced by his department and provided suggestions for improvement.

The after-action report commended the Maui Fire Department for their efforts in seeking ways to enhance their operations.

The report commends MFD for taking immediate actions to address the issues identified in the AAR, instead of waiting for recommendations.

For instance, the Maui Fire Department has collaborated with law enforcement to evaluate new evacuation software, prepared for upstaffing during red flag warnings, and pledged to implement a fleet replacement program, according to the report.

“We trust that this report will contribute to the recovery process, prompting actions and public policies that enhance preparedness for future major incidents.”

Editor's P/S:

The Maui wildfires were a devastating tragedy that resulted in the loss of 101 lives, the destruction of numerous homes, and $6 billion in damages. An investigation into the wildfires has uncovered several issues with emergency planning and coordination, including the use of "WhatsApp" by chief officers and some Maui Fire Department staff for updates on the situation, even though not all department members were using the app. Additionally, there was only minimal positioning of staff and equipment after a red flag warning was issued by the National Weather Service before the outbreak of four major wildfires on August 8, 2023.

The investigation also found that the Maui Fire Department was understaffed and under-resourced, and that there was a lack of coordination between the department and other agencies. These issues contributed to the severity of the wildfires and the loss of life. The investigation's findings have led to a number of recommendations to improve emergency planning and coordination in Maui, including the implementation of an automated system to alert all staff in the event of a major deployment, the creation of an "inter-island engine fleet program," and the establishment of a statewide mutual aid agreement among fire departments.