Maui Wildfires: On Aug. 8, just after 12:00 a.m., the first deadly flames of a brush fire started in the central area of Maui, Kula. In the early morning hours, around 6:30 a.m., a brush fire of about three acres was reported around Lahainaluna Road, which passed through this historic town of Lahaina in West Maui. Early, during the first flames of the fire, officials claimed that the fire was 100% contained. Throughout the next few days many efforts were made to block the flames and evacuate citizens in attempts to lead people to safety, though no one was prepared. There were few instructions about how to proceed; just a headlong grasp toward survival. The fire continued to rapidly spread leaving little time to pack and evacuate the flames. Many residents were only able to grab few items such as, pets, a few shirts and pants and small valuables.
Significance: As the spread of the fire progressed many homes, offices and wildlife were damaged. Many have been reported missing and even more reported deceased. At least 115 people have died and authorities have warned the death toll could climb in the coming days. To date, they have publicly identified 46 people who died in the blaze. Although the fire was destructive, the threat to the public is far from over. Officials have now reported “toxic air” around the burn zones. Wildfire smoke is known to cause a range of health issues, most notably breathing issues. But when they burn through cities, the flames also burn up industrial items, buildings, cars and a slew of other things that can release toxic chemicals. The toxic air will continue to cause problems for many years to come reports have said. Although the flames have decreased, Maui is not yet in the clear.
Hurricane Idalia: Early Wednesday Aug. 30, Hurricane Idalia made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Idalia produced storm surges that reached several feet in some areas and brought damaging winds that howled up to 130 miles per hour at one point, according to the National Hurricane Center. The surge has caused flooding over Florida’s roadways, bridges and cities. Evacuations have gone into order and several more bridges and major roads have been closed down. Nearly 270,000 homes, businesses and other power customers in Florida and nearly 40,000 in Georgia had no electricity when the hurricane hit. Around 4,500 people have taken shelter in safe centers to escape the weather, and more than 100 shelters have been opened across the storms path. Tampa Bay police and the National Guard are making rapid efforts to help those affected by the floods and rescue those trapped by currents. The National Guard has mobilized well over 100 soldiers and provided high water vehicles to some of the counties swamped by storm surge and floodwaters.
Significance: Hurricane Idalia is the strongest storm to hit Big Bend since the 19th century, causing homes and businesses to suffer its repercussions. King tides are headed for the Gulf Coast of Florida as citizens prepare. “We fear that residents will walk outside, see it’s sunny outside and think everything’s fine. But there’s more water coming,” warned Rob Herrin, spokesperson for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. “There’s still so many hazards after the winds and rains have cleared.” North Carolina and Georgia also declared state of emergencies as they prepared for Idalia to hit.
