re: Wildfires on Maui Island - Evacuations - People Fleeing into Ocean

Wildfires are a natural occurrence on the west side of the islands. Lightening can start them. But the winds were 60-80 mph from that distant hurricane so a California style firestorm rushed to the ocean and torched everything. As everywhere else they’ve had a hotter than normal summer drying everything out more.

It’s very sad. Last time we were in Maui we spent a lot of time on front street. But the highlight was a guided snorkel tour by ourselves on the southwest side. No one else was around and it was like being in an expensive aquarium.