Maui wildfire frequency on the rise in the US

It has been a week since the devastating Maui wildfires in Hawaii began, resulting in over 100 fatalities and with the potential for the death toll to rise even further. The families of approximately 1,300 missing individuals are anxiously waiting for news, as search dogs scour the charred disaster zone in search of bodies.

Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier described the magnitude of the tragedy, stating, "It's not just ash on your clothing when you take it off. It's our loved ones."

The Maui wildfire has now become the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century and ranks as the fifth worst wildfire in the nation's history.

As the world awaits the full extent of the devastation to be uncovered from beneath the layers of destruction, it is crucial to understand why these catastrophic wildfires are occurring with increasing frequency in the United States.

Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, referred to the affected area, a popular tourist destination, as a "war zone," underscoring the severity of the situation.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a larger pattern of escalating wildfires in the United States. To comprehend this trend, it is necessary to delve into the history of significant wildfires in the country and explore the factors contributing to their rise.

Throughout history, the United States has witnessed numerous devastating wildfires. The deadliest wildfire in US history was the Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin, which claimed the lives of 1,152 individuals in 1871. This fire burned over 1,000,000 acres, making it one of the most destructive fires in terms of both human life and property.

Another significant wildfire was the Great Fire of 1910, which burned through approximately 3,000,000 acres across Idaho, Montana, and Washington, resulting in the deaths of 87 people. More recently, the 2020 California Wildfire Season, the worst fire season in California's history, burned 4.3 million acres, claimed 33 lives, and consisted of nearly 10,000 separate fires.

The largest recorded wildfire in US history is the 1825 Miramichi Fire, which blazed through an estimated 3,000,000 million acres and caused at least 160 deaths. This fire primarily occurred in New Brunswick, Canada, but also spread into the state of Maine, causing widespread destruction.

While these historical events provide insight into the scale and impact of wildfires, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to the increasing incidence of these disasters.

Multiple studies have shown that climate change plays a significant role in exacerbating wildfire conditions. Warmer springs, longer summer dry seasons, and drier soils and vegetation due to climate change have led to an increase in the length, frequency, and extent of wildfire seasons.

Climate change contributes to the drying of organic matter in forests, which serves as fuel for wildfires. Changes in climate create warmer, drier conditions, increased drought, and a longer fire season, thereby increasing the risk of wildfires. Human activities and land use patterns also significantly influence wildfire risk, with over 80 percent of US wildfires caused by human actions.

Land use and forest management practices, such as fire suppression and the lack of prescribed burning, can lead to overgrown forests, providing more fuel for fires and increasing the risk of highly destructive wildfires.

In the case of the Maui wildfire, another contributing factor could be high-tension power lines. Reports suggest that fallen utility lines may have sparked the fire, with Hawaiian Electric Co facing criticism for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings.

According to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, approximately 0.5% of Hawaii's total land area is affected by wildfires every year, primarily caused by human activities. However, the recent Maui wildfire has been unprecedented in its devastation, consuming over 2,500 acres and leaving historic towns like Lahaina in ruins.

Experts warn that with climate change, extreme weather conditions, and disasters like the Maui wildfire will become more frequent and severe. Over the past five years, wildfires in the United States have increased in frequency and severity, with rising temperatures, extended droughts, and drier air heightening the risk and extent of these fires.

The US government has taken steps to mitigate the damage caused by wildfires, spending over $1 billion annually on firefighting efforts. The Biden-Harris administration has implemented Fire Management Assistance Grants to assist communities at the onset of severe fires.

Scientific strategies, such as the development of fire hazard maps and new building codes, are being urged to raise fire standards in high-risk areas. Landscape-specific mitigation strategies and community evacuation preparedness are also being emphasized.

However, critics argue that the relief efforts, such as President Biden's proposed aid of $700 to households impacted by the Maui wildfire, are inadequate. They highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the increasing threat of wildfires in the United States.

The gravity of the Maui wildfire underscores the urgency of addressing these issues and taking proactive measures to prevent such devastating wildfires. By understanding the historical and contemporary factors contributing to these disasters and implementing effective strategies, the risk and impact of future wildfires can be mitigated.