The cause of the Maui fires that broke out in early August 2023, predominantly on the island of Maui, is still under investigation. However, according to some sources, the initial fire was sparked by downed power lines. Hawaiian Electric Co has acknowledged that its downed lines caused the initial fire, but has argued in court filings that it couldn’t be responsible for the later flare-up because its lines had been turned off for hours by the time the fire reignited and spread through the town. The utility instead sought to shift the blame to Maui county fire officials for what it believes was their premature, false claim that they had extinguished the first fire. The county denies firefighters were negligent. Videos taken by Lahaina homeowners on August 8 show utility poles and lines snapped in strong winds shortly after 6.30 am, igniting tall grass and brush below. By 10 am, firefighters believed they had a handle on the 3-acre blaze, deeming it 100% contained. The area was then doused with 23,000 gallons of water, according to Maui county lawyer John Fiske, who said crews departed around 2.18 pm declaring the fire extinguished. Firefighters returned within minutes – but by then, it was too late. Furious gusts whipped embers over their heads, lighting a field of tall grass behind them.