A fire preparedness guide explains how wind-driven fires spread faster and cause more damage, citing the 2023 Lahaina fire as a key example of devastating community impact.
- Wind-driven fires spread faster than traditional wildfires because winds carry embers further and provide extra oxygen to fuel flames.
- The 2023 Lahaina fire had wind gusts up to 92 mph, burned 6,271 acres and 2,173 structures, and killed over 100 people.
- High winds can ground firefighting aircraft and make it harder for crews to control fires by helping flames jump natural barriers.
- Ember storms from wind-driven fires can create new spot fires far from the main fire, making containment more difficult.
Source: Wfca
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