On Maui, Hawaii, physical geography and disaster expert Matthew Blackett describes the events this week as extremely uncommon for the islands and largely influenced by climate change. These fires have drawn global attention as they unfold, raising questions about weather patterns, land management, and resilience in island systems.
The fires have ravaged parts of Maui, including the historic town of Lahaina, since Tuesday. Officials report at least 89 fatalities so far, with many more people still unaccounted for as days pass. The situation continues to evolve, and search and rescue efforts remain active [citation].
Blackett, a Coventry University specialist, notes that this catastrophe is a rare phenomenon and highlights its link to broader climate trends. He explains that wildfires are not common on islands because surrounding seas help create stable air masses. When winds push over warm ocean surfaces, they rise and condense, forming clouds that can dampen or redirect fires in some regions while feeding them in others. The unique geography of Hawaii makes such fires unusual and significant [citation].
Wildfires have occurred on other islands and in different regions this summer, including parts of Greece and La Palma. Yet Hawaii’s archipelago is known for persistent humidity and unique climate conditions. Blackett emphasizes that these islands, often remote, have rarely faced drought at this scale, though recent months have seen a notable shift in water balance and dry spells that climate models associate with warming oceans [citation].
He adds that the situation is particularly unusual for an archipelago that typically experiences consistent humidity and rainfall. The rapid shift to dryness and winds linked to climate variability appears to be intensifying fire risk across the region [citation].
Hurricane influence tied to climate dynamics
Local officials point to a combination of dry conditions and winds associated with Hurricane Dora as key accelerants for the blazes. Blackett explains that the hurricane traveled hundreds of kilometers south of Hawaii, drew in air currents, and created powerful gusts that fed the flames. This combination represents an atypical, storm-driven fire scenario aligned with climate-change projections of more intense tropical cyclones [citation].
Scientists have long warned that warming oceans will fuel stronger storms. A recent study in Environmental Research Letters highlights connections between emissions from major fossil fuel sectors and the broader climate system, illustrating how industry and energy choices can influence regional fire risk in the western United States and beyond [citation].
Blackett also cautions against assigning all blame to a single factor. He points to the oil and gas industry’s role in the broader increase in fire frequency and intensity, urging society to understand how human activity shapes environmental outcomes. He stresses the need for responsible action to protect ecosystems and communities [citation].
Tourism and landscape change
Activist Kaniela Ing, a Hawaii native and director of the Green New Deal Network, has challenged the portrayal of Maui solely as a tourist destination. He reminds audiences that residents and native communities are the fabric of the islands, not just visitors. Blackett notes that shifts toward tourism-centered development can reshape land use and economic patterns, sometimes at the expense of traditional sectors like agriculture, and may contribute to ecological vulnerability in certain conditions [citation].
In Maui’s evolving landscape, tourism dynamics intersect with environmental and economic changes. The move toward a tourism-based economy can alter land use and threaten native livelihoods, factors which, in turn, influence resilience to fires and other climate impacts [citation].
Historically, island communities have endured long-standing transitions. The introduction of invasive species such as guinea grass, which thrives in humidity and can grow rapidly during wet periods, can become fuel for fires when drought returns. These ecological shifts, coupled with climate variability, shape the fire regime and complicate recovery efforts on the islands [citation].
Efforts to understand and respond to these events require collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and local communities. Ongoing research and cross-disciplinary dialogue aim to illuminate the links between energy systems, land use, and disaster preparedness, guiding strategies that protect both people and ecosystems on Maui and similar settings [citation].
Further updates and official guidance from environmental agencies will continue to inform residents and visitors about safety measures, evacuation orders, and recovery resources as the situation develops [citation].