how did the maui fires start

The Maui fires, particularly the devastating Lahaina wildfire in 2023, started primarily due to downed and "re-energized" broken power lines that ignited dry vegetation near the utility poles. The fire originated from a single source and was exacerbated by high winds, drought, and low humidity conditions, which were intensified by Hurricane Dora passing off the coast. Firefighters initially believed they had extinguished the fire, but it rekindled later, spreading rapidly due to the dry and windy conditions. The state's outdoor siren warning system failed to activate because of the extreme heat from the wildfires. These combined factors contributed to the starting and rapid spread of the Maui fires.