Maui wildfires: Wind, drought and invasive grass created perfect storm for devastating fires

Punishing winds, a severe drought and invasive grass created the perfect conditions for the devastating fires on Maui that have so far killed at least 55 people, experts say.

The exact cause of the fires is yet to be determined but the National Weather Service had issued warnings for high winds and dry weather as Hurricane Dora brushed south of Hawaii.

Craig Clements, a meteorology professor at San Jose State University, said Maui had already been in a severe drought, putting it at risk for fires. He said the steep mountains overlooking the hard-hit town of Lahain also exacerbated the high wind conditions, sending them into populated areas at high speed.

Alyssa Julie has more on how conditions fanned the flames of the fires.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/9890277/maui-wildfires-update-aug-11/
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