Destroyed homes and cars were on display in Lahaina, Hawaii on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023. Hawaii officials are advising tourists to stay away from Maui as hotels make preparations to accommodate evacuees and first responders in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that destroyed a historic town and claimed numerous lives.
During the fire, residents witnessed toxic fumes filling the air as burning homes, pipes, and cars released dangerous particles into the atmosphere. Retired mailman and Vietnam veteran Thomas Leonard even witnessed a propane tank explosion that created a colossal mushroom cloud. Mike Cicchino, a 37-year-old who grew up on Maui, revealed that he could judge the proximity of the flames by the sound of cars’ gas tanks exploding. He and his family sought refuge in the ocean behind a knee-high sea wall, where Cicchino experienced physical discomfort and sickness while helping others to safety.
Since the extent of the devastation became apparent, approximately 46,000 residents and visitors have flown out of West Maui, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Authorities are currently mourning the loss of more than 90 lives and preparing for a lengthy recovery process on the island, particularly in Lahaina. In addition to the loss of life and damage to property, officials are concerned about the presence of toxic byproducts from the fire in certain areas of the island. Some residents have already returned home, only to find melted cars, flattened homes, and burnt elevator shafts.
Despite the subsiding destruction, officials are cautioning residents about the dangerous conditions and urging them to wait before returning. Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are conducting surveys to identify additional hazards. “It is not safe. It is a hazardous area and that’s why experts are here,” stated Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen during a news conference on Saturday. He emphasized that rushing people back into the area would not be beneficial if it meant putting their health at risk.
Hawaii’s state toxicologist, Diana Felton, explained that it could take weeks or even months to clean up the pollutants left behind. Some residents, like JP Mayoga, have chosen to stay away due to concerns about the health impacts of the toxic debris covering Lahaina. Mayoga and his family decided to stay at the hotel where he works, considering it a safer option. Hawaii water officials have also warned residents not to drink tap water or take long, hot showers due to potential contamination.
Fires like the one in Maui can leave behind unforeseen consequences, as the destruction caused by explosions, melting pipes, and oil spills release unknown chemicals. Professor Andrew Whelton, director of Purdue University’s Center for Plumbing Safety, noted that burning various materials can lead to the transformation of substances never meant for human contact. Smoke-borne pollutants can settle on the ground and require specialized teams to remove them to prevent inhalation and further exposure.
These invisible hazards can extend beyond the burned areas and affect surrounding regions where smoke has traveled. Professor Whelton emphasized the importance of wearing protective gear, covering limbs, and following evacuation orders to reduce the risk of exposure. The aftermath of the Maui fire serves as a stark reminder that even after the flames subside, toxic particles can remain, posing risks to both residents and the island’s tourism-driven economy.
Source: Maui officials and scientists warn that after the flames flicker out, toxic particles will remain (2023, August 14). Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2023-08-maui-scientists-flames-flicker-toxic.html
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