In a Sunday report, the global news agency, Associated Press, has revealed that Maui Wildfire was most likely caused by naked wires and leaning poles. It said that the initial fires could be a result of “bare, uninsulated metal” falling on the dry grass as the sparking flames set the land ablaze.
via. Associated Press
The wildfire, which swept a massive 58% land of the Lahaina town of Maui county, has so far claimed 115 lives while more than 3000 are still missing.
Analyzing site videos and images, the report said that downed and uprooted power lines sparked the blazes that scorched the island. It also belabored the power company of using naked wires and outdated wooden poles in a hurricane-prone area despite constant pushbacks from authorities asking to insulate lines or bury them.
Citing the company documents, it revealed that the poles were built for “an obsolete 1960s standard” and many were already downing before getting battered by Hurricane Dora.
Experts Slam Hawaiian
Michael Ahern, the former director of power systems at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, claims “very unlikely” possibility of a fully-insulated cable catching sparks and causing a series of fires in dry land.
After watching site videos, several experts have agreed that insulated wires would not have ignited such huge fires.
Jennifer Potter, an ex-member of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has claimed that even tourists were concerned over the power lines leaning unnaturally and excessively.
Hawaiian sued by County
Accused of failing to turn off the power lines before wildfires started on the island, energy firm Hawaiian Electric has been sued by Maui county. The lawsuit claimed the destruction could have been avoided if power lines had been switched off during exceptionally high winds and dry conditions.
In response, Hawaiian Electric said in a statement that it had spent millions since 2018 on vegetation management efforts, and to strengthen and harden the power grid. Additionally, it had trimmed and removed trees along 2,500 line miles every year to prevent blazes.
However, the power company did not confirm whether bare lines were responsible for the early moments of the fire.
Lawyers take charge
Hawaiian Electric is facing a barrage of new lawsuits for alleged negligence that caused 115 deaths.
Legal firm Morgan is suing Hawaiian on behalf of a person whose house ‘almost’ got caught by the wildfire.
After taking court order, lawyers will be inspecting the wildfire’s originating site, allegedly from where Hawaiian utility crew took away the poles and bare wires.
Lead counsel on one lawsuit, attorney Paul Starita suspects money angle and adds that it was a “preventable tragedy of epic proportions”.
Utilities in Action
Other utilities have been cautious and addressed the issue of bare wire after the 2018 California CampFire that was also caused by downed power lines. Pacific Gas & Electric was found responsible for the 85 fatalities from the fire.
Since then, The company has covered more than 1,200 miles of line so far.
In 2021, PG&E also announced plans to bury 10,000 miles of electrical line.
Southern California Edison is also on course to replace more than 7,200 miles long bare wires by 2025.
