Maui fire: Report details how it was no match for unprecedented blazes
Associated PressHONOLULU — As unpredictable wildfires roared across Maui last August, the head of the emergency management agency dragged his heels about returning to the island amid the unfolding crisis, while a broad communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without emergency alerts, according to a report released Wednesday. The Maui Emergency Management Agency had posted to Facebook on Aug. 6 about a “serious fire and damaging wind threat” due to dry conditions as Hurricane Dora passed. Only then did Andaya respond that he had “better come home tomorrow.” By that time multiple areas had been evacuated, according to a situation report by Andaya’s agency. “In terms of the reason for that challenge, it’s going to be analyzed in subsequent reports.” The report also describes a breakdown in communication between police, firefighters and emergency officials after cell networks went down.