A devastating wildfire that swept through Lahaina, a historic Hawaiian town popular with tourists, caught many residents unaware. The fire started as a brush fire and initially seemed contained, but strong winds, dry conditions, and changes in land use caused it to spread rapidly. The lack of advanced notice led to panic as residents realized they had to evacuate immediately. Experts note that climate change and warmer atmospheres are exacerbating wildfires, making them more intense and difficult to control. The dry conditions, increased flammable vegetation, and powerful winds fueled the fire’s rapid spread, leaving much of Lahaina in ruins.