In recent times, Hawaii has been subjected to severe wildfires, causing immense damage across the state. The situation has put a spotlight on the importance of hazard mitigation plans and identifying areas vulnerable to such disasters. Lahaina and West Maui communities, pinpointed in Maui County’s 2020 plan, have witnessed frequent wildfire ignitions and host numerous at-risk buildings.
Underlying Causes of Hawaii’s Wildfires
Several factors contributed to the extensive wildfires in Hawaii. Flash droughts, an occurrence of abrupt moisture evaporation from the atmosphere spurred by dry weather and strong winds, set up ideal conditions for fires to spread. Maui, with its active volcanoes, experienced this severe drought turning the dry non-native grasses and vegetation into fuel for these raging fires.
Climate change, increasingly linked to the surge of forest fires worldwide, is also an influencing factor for Hawaii’s wildfires. Higher temperatures and warmer air resulting from climate change create conducive conditions for storms and wildfires. Land use practices involving the cultivation of irrigated pineapples and sugar cane being replaced with invasive, fire-prone grass species have added to the land’s susceptibility to fast-spreading fires.
The impact of Hurricane Dora was another contributing factor. High and low pressure zones formed because of the hurricane, resulting in winds intensifying the flames and making them challenging to control.
A Brief Overview of Hawaii
Hawaii, situated over 2,000 miles west of California in the Pacific Ocean, is recognized for its biodiversity. It is home to eight main islands and a myriad of unique ecosystems, all crafted by volcanic activity. Known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage influenced by Polynesian, Asian, and American cultures, Hawaii offers various landscapes attracting wildlife enthusiasts.
Understanding Wildfires
Wildfires, also identified as forest or bushfires, are uncontrolled fires that speedily spread across vegetation, including forests, grasslands, and shrublands. They occur due to natural factors like lightning strikes and human activities such as discarded cigarettes, unattended campfires, and intentional acts. Wildfires can be categorized into Crown Fires, Surface Fires, and Ground Fires based on their intensity, location, and potential damage.
Causes of Wildfires
Human carelessness, high atmospheric temperatures, natural causes like lightning and volcanic eruptions, and climate change are some significant causes of wildfires.
India’s Vulnerability to Wildfires
According to a report by the Council of Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India has experienced a tenfold increase in forest fires over the past two decades. Over 62% of Indian states are prone to high-intensity forest fires with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and the Northeastern states being most vulnerable. The ISFR (India State of Forest Report) 2021 estimates that more than 36% of the country’s forest cover is prone to frequent forest fires.
Government Initiatives Against Wildfires
To combat the wildfire crisis, several initiatives have been taken, including the National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF), designed to curtail forest fires by informing, enabling, and empowering forest fringe communities. The National Mission for Green India (GIM) aims at increasing forest cover and restoring degraded forests, contributing to preventing forest fires. The Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FFPM) targets strengthening the forest fire management system using advanced technologies like remote sensing.
Wildfire Mitigation Strategies
Creating fire breaks, monitoring and managing forests effectively, implementing early detection and rapid response methods, fuel management, adopting firewise practices, and controlled burning are some of the comprehensive mitigation strategies adopted to combat wildfires.
These raging wildfires in Hawaii, particularly on Maui island, are results of climate-related factors, historical land use changes, and emergency response considerations. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires globally due to climate change underline a broader issue. Moreover, the destruction of culturally significant sites adds another layer of tragedy, resonating deep within the affected communities.