Wind-Driven Hawaii Wildfire Destroying Maui Tourist Town

A wildfire erupted in Maui on Wednesday fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, destroying homes and businesses in a tourist town and forcing some residents to jump into the ocean to escape the flames.

The Associated Press is reporting the fire was widespread in Lahaina Town, including on Front Street, a popular shopping and dining area, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said by phone early Wednesday. Traffic has been very heavy as people try to evacuate the area, and officials asked people who weren’t in an evacuation area to shelter in place to avoid adding to the traffic, she said.

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association responded with insurance tips and a statement.

“Insurers are ready to help Maui homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by these wildfires,” said Karen Collins, APCIA vice president, property & environmental. “This first step is contacting your insurer to start your claim. This is what you have insurance for. Your company or agent will help you navigate this process and get you what you need each step of the way.”

AM Best lists the top homeowners multi-peril insurers in Hawaii as of 2022 as State Farm with 35% of market share and $162 million in direct premiums written. Other top writers are Tokio Marine U.S. PC Group (12% market share), Allstate Insurance Group (8%), USAA Group (7%) and Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies (6%).

Crews on Maui fought multiple blazes in two the tourist destination of West Maui and an inland, mountainous region. The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora, which was passing to the south of the island chain at a safe distance of 500 miles, was partly to blame for gusts above 60 mph that knocked out power, rattled homes and grounded firefighting helicopters, the Associated Press reported.