Video shows power lines potentially causing Maui wildfires.
Video Footage Reveals Downed Utility Lines as Spark for Devastating Maui Wildfires
Recent video footage has provided crucial evidence linking downed utility lines to the deadly wildfires that have claimed the lives of over 100 people on Maui. The footage, captured by a security camera at the Maui Bird Conservation Center, shows a power line sparking a blaze in the woods. The video, which went viral after being posted on Instagram by the Hawaii Department of Land Natural Resources, depicts a bright flash followed by large flames in the distance.
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According to Jennifer Pribble, a senior research coordinator at the bird conservation center, “The power goes out, our generator kicks in, the camera comes back online, and then the forest is on fire.” The conservation center, located in the rural town of Makawao, was just over 30 miles away from the massive fire that devastated the historic city of Lahaina. While the Makawao fire did not reach Lahaina, it was one of several fires that broke out on the island last week, following strong winds from a distant hurricane.
Whisker Labs, a company that monitors electric grids across the U.S., reported that 10 sensors in Makawao recorded a significant incident in Hawaii’s electric grid at the exact moment the video captured the bright light from the utility line. The flash seen in the video is likely an “arc flash,” which occurs when a power line experiences a fault. Bob Marshall, the founder and CEO of Whisker Labs, stated, “This is strong confirmation — based on real data — that utility grid faults were likely the ignition source for multiple wildfires on Maui.”
Hawaiian Electric, the utility company responsible for the power lines, declined to comment on the video and sensor data, instead focusing on supporting emergency response efforts and developing a long-term recovery plan. However, criticism has been directed at the company for not cutting off power during the wind storm, a precaution taken by utility companies in other states to prevent wildfires. A class-action lawsuit has already been filed against Hawaiian Electric, holding them accountable for the tragic loss of life.
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Another video filmed by a resident of Lahaina, Shane Treu, shows the rapid spread of a fire ignited by a downed power pole. Treu described hearing a buzzing sound before the fire quickly escalated due to high winds. The incident has raised further concerns about the role of utility lines in the wildfires.
While investigations are ongoing, Michael Wara, a wildfire expert at Stanford University, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “It may turn out that there are other causes of this fire, and the utility lines are not the main cause. But if they are, boy, this didn’t need to happen.”
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