2023 Hawaii wildfires

On August 8, 2023, a series of damaging wind-driven wildfires erupted in the U.S. state of Hawaii. Predominantly on the island of Maui, four widely-separated and simultaneous fires prompted evacuations and caused widespread damage, killed at least 101 people, and has left two people missing from the town of Lahaina on Maui's northwest coast, and burned thousands of structures on the island. The wildfires were attributed to dry conditions and ferocious winds created by a high-pressure area north of Hawaii and Hurricane Dora to the south.

2023 Hawaii wildfires
Top: Lāhainā burning as seen from the ocean and harbor Middle: Burned cars and buildings Bottom: FEMA officials perform searches and Governor Josh Green reviews damage
LocationHawaii, United States
Statistics
Total fires4
Total area17,000+ acres (69 km2)
Cost$5.5 billion
Date(s)August 8–11, 2023
Cause
  • Propagation by dry conditions and high winds
  • Maui:
    • unknown origins
    • downed power line
  • Hawaiʻi Island:
    • unknown origins
    • unattended cook fire
    • incendiary device
Buildings destroyed2,207
Deaths100+
Non-fatal injuries67+
Missing people2
Map

Beginning the same day, the local, state, and federal governments acted to stop the fires and prepare for the aftermath. Governor Josh Green signed an emergency declaration that day that activated the Hawaii National Guard, directed action by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HiEMA), and authorizing funds. On August 9, he issued a state of emergency for the entire state. On August 10, U.S. President Joe Biden issued a federal major disaster declaration.

In September 2023, the United States Department of Commerce published its official damage estimate––$5.5 billion.

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