Maui County recorded only 23 wildfires between June and September 2026, compared to 89 during the same period last year, largely due to an unusually wet hurricane season. Fire officials warn that leeward areas and high winds still pose an ongoing risk through the remainder of hurricane season.
- Maui Fire Department responded to 23 wildfires this summer (June–Sept), a 74% drop from the 89 recorded during the same period in 2025.
- Heavy rainfall from two Kona low storms in March and multiple hurricanes this summer drove the significant reduction in fire activity.
- Leeward areas of Maui have received less rain and remain dry, meaning fire risk has not been eliminated across the island.
- High winds remain a key concern — they can both spread fires and knock down power lines, creating new ignition hazards.
- The Central Pacific hurricane season has been above normal, with five named storms so far; Hurricane Lowell struck Kauai with 140 mph sustained winds earlier this week.
Source: Maui Now
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