Hawaii Wildfires: Calls for Action Rise After Sirens Remain Silent in Deadliest U.S. Fire Tragedy
As the death toll from the devastating wildfires in Hawaii continues to climb, there is growing criticism surrounding the failure of the warning sirens to sound during the deadliest fire tragedy in modern U.S. history. The fires, which began on August 8 on Maui Island, have claimed the lives of 111 people as of Thursday, with the number expected to rise as search efforts continue.
Residents have expressed their frustration over the lack of evacuation plans and the absence of sound from the island’s 80 warning sirens. The Maui County Emergency Management Agency, responsible for activating the sirens, has faced intense scrutiny for its failure to utilize the system prior to the disaster.
Herman Andaya, the head of the agency, resigned on Thursday amidst mounting criticism for the agency’s response to the crisis. However, Andaya cited health reasons for his resignation, according to a post on the official Facebook page of Maui County.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Andaya defended the agency’s decision, stating that the sirens were primarily intended for tsunami warnings. He expressed concern that if the sirens had been activated on the night the wildfires broke out, people might have evacuated to higher ground, placing themselves in the path of the fires.
Andaya emphasized that the siren system has never been used in Maui or other jurisdictions in the state to warn of wildfires. Hawaii Governor Josh Green supported Andaya’s reasoning, explaining that had a siren gone off during a wildfire, he would have expected a tsunami to follow.
The siren system in Maui County is typically used to warn the public about natural disasters and other emergencies. It encompasses outdoor sirens, warnings broadcasted on TV and radio, as well as wireless alerts sent to cellphones.
Although the agency did activate warning systems for cellphones, TV, and radio stations, the reach was limited due to widespread power and signal outages caused by the strong winds that hit the island. Interestingly, the sirens are solar-powered and capable of functioning during power outages; however, experts are uncertain about the potential impact of the sirens on the Maui fires.
Sarah DeYoung, a professor at the University of Delaware, explained to National Public Radio that sirens have limitations as they cannot provide specific instructions to people. Nevertheless, she argued that it is essential to provide people with as much information as possible rather than leaving them uninformed.
The emergency response of Maui County is currently under review by the Hawaii Attorney General’s office, aiming to assess the actions taken during the crisis.
It is evident that the absence of sirens during the Hawaii wildfires has sparked a heated debate regarding their effectiveness and potential impact. While some argue that sirens could have made a difference, others emphasize the challenges and limitations they pose. As authorities evaluate the emergency response and explore ways to improve disaster management, the tragic events in Hawaii serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness and effective communication during times of crisis.
