Investigation Reveals Potential Causes of Deadly Fires on Maui: Bare Electrical Wire and Leaning Poles

Bare, uninsulated electrical wires and leaning, outdated power poles owned by Hawaiian Electric Co. are being investigated as possible causes of the deadly fires that ravaged Maui. Videos and images analyzed by The Associated Press confirmed that the bare wires sparked flames when they came into contact with dry grass. Hawaiian Electric Co. has faced criticism for leaving miles of uninsulated wires exposed to the weather and foliage, despite efforts by other utilities in wildfire-prone areas to cover or bury their lines. Many of the utility's wooden power poles were also in poor condition and did not meet the national standard for withstanding high winds. The utility is now facing lawsuits and calls for improved safety measures to prevent future wildfires.