Yes, wildfires have increased on Maui over the past ten years but have not been a result of climate change per se.

In 2013, a large wildfire burned over 25,000 acres of land on Maui. The cause of that fire was never determined, but it is believed to have been started by humans.

Since then, there have been several other large wildfires on Maui, including the 2019 West Maui fire, which burned over 10,000 acres. The cause of that fire was also never determined, but it is believed to have been started by a campfire.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to the increase in wildfires on Maui, including:

• Drought: Maui has been experiencing more frequent and severe droughts in recent years, which makes the vegetation more dry and flammable.

• Human activity: Human activity, such as campfires, discarded cigarettes, and fireworks, is a major cause of wildfires.

• Failure to clear flammable plant over-growth.

The 2023 Maui wildfires were the deadliest in U.S. history, killing at least 96 people. The fires were caused by a combination of factors, including dry conditions, strong winds, and human activity. The fires burned over 200,000 acres of land and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

The increase in wildfires on Maui is a serious threat to the island's residents and environment. It is important to take steps to prevent wildfires, such as:

• Be careful with fire: Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving.

• Clear flammable plant over-growth

• Dispose of cigarettes and fireworks properly: Put them out in a fireproof container, not on the ground.

• Report any suspicious activity to the authorities: If you see someone starting a fire, report it immediately.

• Be prepared to evacuate: If a wildfire is approaching, make sure you have a plan to evacuate your home.

By taking these steps, we can help to prevent wildfires and keep Maui safe.

The 2023 Maui wildfires were exacerbated by Hurricane Dora. Hurricane Dora was a Category 4 hurricane that passed about 400 miles south of Maui on August 9, 2023. The hurricane's strong winds helped to fan the flames of the wildfires, making them spread more quickly and extensively.

The hurricanes winds were estimated to be up to 100 mph, which is well above the threshold for "strong winds". Strong winds can cause wildfires to spread more quickly and make them more difficult to control. They can also create dangerous flying debris, which can injure people and damage property.

In addition to the strong winds, Hurricane Dora also brought heavy rain to Maui. The rain helped to fuel the wildfires by making the vegetation more wet and flammable. The rain also made it difficult for firefighters to access the fires, as roads and trails were washed out.

The combination of strong winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Dora made the 2023 Maui wildfires particularly destructive. The fires burned over 200,000 acres of land and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. They also killed at least 96 people, making them the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.

The 2023 Maui wildfires are a reminder of the dangers of wildfires and the importance of being prepared. If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, it is important to have a plan in place in case a fire breaks out. This plan should include:

√ A way to evacuate your home safely.

√ A place to go where you will be safe from the fire.

√ A way to contact your family and friends if you are separated from them.

√ A way to get news and updates about the fire.

By being prepared, you can help to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of wildfires.

-Unlikely Buddha 2023