One of the worst natural disasters in Hawaii’s history has killed at least 67 people and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. Four factors combine to cause devastating wildfires.
1. A small fire that got out of control
It all started with a forest fire, although it is not yet clear what started the fire. In any case, the firemen did not manage to put out the fire, and on Wednesday night the flames started to spread very quickly.
2. Very strong trade winds
Some meteorologists believe that Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm that recently passed far southwest of Hawaii, produced strong winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) that fueled the wildfires.
3. Dry season with low humidity
Hawaii is currently experiencing a dry season with very low humidity, making it easier for fires to spread. The Pacific island archipelago typically has a tropical climate with warm and humid weather and little temperature variation.
4. Dry vegetation created a ‘trouch’
Forest fires are normally caused by lightning, periods of heat, or human activity, whether intentional or careless.
– Better fire control is needed
Wildfires have always existed, but climate change is making them more constant. Experts say better fire management is increasingly important.
“Fires know no boundaries,” said Johann Georg Goldammer, head of the Global Fire Monitoring Center based in Freiburg, Germany. “They burn across forests, nature reserves, farmland, farms, countryside and even on the fringes of urban areas.
