Lahaina FIRE - What REALLY Caused the Fire ??? 

Thank you for being the voice of reason from the beginning!

Jesse, thank you for sharing the report. I believe it was accurate. I appreciate all the updates that you’ve shown us. I’m looking forward to seeing the one of the first house that I hear was built. Mahalo!

Omygosh you're killing me Lizard Man! People will always say what they are going to say. There are always going to be conspiracy theories for almost everything that happens. You are doing a fantastic service by all of your videos, please keep them coming! We appreciate each and every one of them.

Jesse, I laughed that someone called you a lizard man. I enjoy every video you post. My husband and I have visited Maui 35 times. It’s our happy place. Sadly, he died last December and I probably can’t ever come back. Too many memories. And I don’t think I can handle seeing Lahaina Town and what’s left of the Banyan tree. I’m almost 80, so I’ve lived and loved a good life. I miss Maui and want to thank you for keeping it alive for me. Moselle Ball

Thank you for your work informing everyone. Very much appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos!

We love what you are doing! i graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1974. Grew up there...your videos have given me hope! Mahalo!

Across the country, power lines have started so many catastrophic fires. It is seriously time to bury power lines everywhere.

Thank you for your continued report

Thank you Jesse, for all the updates that you have done and for keeping those of us who care about what is going on with Lahaina informed. I think you are doing an awesome job! I'm sorry that you have been subjected to stupid name calling. It just goes to show the immaturity of people and that is very sad. I look forward to all of your updates, because you are the only one who is giving us the correct information of what is really going on with the cleanup and rebuilding of Lahaina.🤙

I’ve watched all your videos. Thank you for all your work to keep us updated. I feel the downed lines, the dry vegetation, and the horrific winds all combined to create this devastating situation. I look forward to your next video.

Thank you so much for posting this. Im so sorry you have received vitriol for your opinion. The sad part is that no matter what proof they show that it was an accident, idiots will insist it's a malicious act and there is nothing we can do except shut them down when they start. Thank you again. I love your videos. You do a fabulous job.

Jesse, I am right there with you. I always thought from the beginning that this started with downed power lines and high winds. I lived in CA and this was a common cause of many of our fires. Just so unfortunate that a flying ember took lodge in nearby brush and hid itself to rekindle the fire later. I will remember for the rest of my life exactly where I was at the time I viewed the first reports. I remember telling my husband that Lahaina was gone--in total disbelief as to what I saw. I had been there just 5 months before. I still have tears every time I remember. Please keep us informed as to the recovery process. Lahaina will rise somehow from the ashes and I will be back to visit.

Hey Jesse! We are fellow neighbors in Kahoma village and were also there for the fires. Our take on what happened is that the fire chief took the crew off the “contained” fire too soon. They claim, now, that it was out, but we heard it was only contained when the trucks left the scene. We feel that the high winds could have kicked up anything at anytime that day, and that if one truck was left behind, just in case, Lahaina would still be standing. Thank you for your drone footage and updates!

As a lizard man myself, gut feeling is a powerline initiated fire. Thanks for sharing!

I agree that the fire started from downed electric poles. However, the actions of police and fire in shutting off roads and not letting traffic move out of the dangerous zones was tragic and resulted in multiple deaths. As far as I know, nothing has been done to hold those people to account. I appreciate your calm, rational manner and also the videos you posted showing the clearing progress and hope you continue to do that. Thanks again for what you do.

Thank you for keeping us updated and, as another viewer just stated, (being the voice of reason from the beginning). Fondest Aloha, from Canada

Thank you. I appreciate all you've done for the beloved Lahaina Town. I first visited this wonderful place in 1971 and returned many times. To see it go up in flames, that night, broke my heart. Your coverage has brought hope for the restoration of this beautiful place.

You have provided a wonderful service. .I've followed you from day one and am greatly appreciative .I will be visiting Maui in January. Can't wait to be among the wonderful people of Maui Mahalo , ALOHA!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your reporting efforts! I appreciate the updates. I believe the report is an accurate account of why the fire started. Mahalo!

Thank you for the update. Your work is awesome. And YES it was power lines that started the fire. The evidence is clear. I've worked in the power industry for 40 years. This was caused by insulator failure and arching power or downed power line. I am disappointed in the responses to you and the individuals who don't understand the physics and dynamics that caused the fire. I appreciate your patience and your videos. Thank you for bringing out the truth, and I hope you continue to provide updates. I support and laud your efforts!

"Occam's razor is a scientific and philosophical principle that states that the simplest explanation is usually the best one. It's also known as the principle of parsimony." And I believe the investigators' report.

I agree that the explanation seems the most plausible cause of the fire.

We still cry for Lahaina. Continuous blessings from Kihei

LOL, thanks Lizard man , not buying the conspiracy theory. I believe that sometimes no matter how hard one may try, sometimes it's not enough and very plausible that hidden embers fueled by excess wind made more fire and spread by the same wind. Just happened the conditions were right for this to happen and nothing more. Accidental! Thank you for taking the time to edit the long meeting and bring us another great video.

Thank you for all the updates. I'm sorry you had to do this at the expense of negativity. Keyboard warriors make it easy to hide behind the curtain without any repercussions.

Thanks for your sane and level headed reporting! - from an empathetic human from Oregon who had only been to Lahaina once back in 1977. Maybe one day I will get to come back and hopefully see the area again. Appreciate the updates on the slow progress to rebuild. I hope the locals get the help they need… still tugs at my heartstrings, as all of these tragedies do.

Thanks for the updates and the official report. Unfortunately in this internet age wacko conspiracies get a lot more coverage and are given more credence than they deserve. I don’t know exactly what theories you have been subjected to but as you said most of the time the simplest explanations are the hardest for some people to accept. My question is with this post event report are there also recommendations for subterranean power lines and other methods to lessen the possibility of any reoccurrence. The winds will definitely not go away. That is not a theory.

Good job, glad you are standing your ground. What happened to your town is heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing.

I appreciate your channel so much. I unsubscribed from other sites when they veered into conspiracies.

Thanks Jesse-the clarity was needed. Maui is undefeated let’s band together to help all the people and area however we can

Great job Jesse, we just got back from our 2nd trip to Maui this year(36 trips overall over the past 30+ years). We have met so many people this year that have endured so much and have openly shared their experiences. We have also witnessed some of the locals that don’t want any tourist there which I try to understand but feel everyone must move forward. The fire in my opinion was part of a “perfect storm”…..extreme wind, mismanagement of natural resources(water and non native grasses) and wooden power poles. As you know, wildfires have been an issue for the past 30 years and I still remember when the hills above Lahaina were green and surfing by the harbor when the smoke stack still burned the leftover sugar cane and ash feel everywhere. I hope the best for Maui and everyone moves forward and the STR issues are solved. You are no Lizzard Man!

Were HECO Troubleman/line crews working on the downed line when the fire reignited? Also, how long do fire crews typically stay around after a brush fire is extinguished, especially when winds were forecasted?

Thank you Jesse for all of your informative videos. Love Maui

Aloha Jesse. I for one, much appreciated all the work you provided us to keep us informed of Lahaina aftermath and status of the recovery. Unfortunately, we live in a time with so much misinformation and distrust , many have come to question anything that authorities will say. Regarding the negative comments against you, it’s the times we live and if someone has a different opinion than theirs, you are the person they quickly attack. It’s sad! Again, I totally appreciate the information you provide. Keep up the great work. Aloha, Jayson

Agree with You! And, the report from the Fire Department appear accurate. The big mistake? Not Ordering ALL POWER IN THE LINES TO BE SHUT OFF!

Mahalo Nui Loa Jesse - your video updates have been really helpful. Still holding all of you in my heart💜💜💜💜

My wife and I were in Lahaina about a week before the fire. Regardless of what caused the initial spark, the area between the highway and Lahaina was so dry that nothing was going to extinguish anything there once started! The grass was tall and bone-dry. Add to that the high winds, and close proximity of all the structures, and it was a tinder box. The flames could have been started by power lines, a cigarette, or even by the reflection from a broken piece of glass. Regardless, nothing was going to put it out before catastrophic damage was done.

As a native of Southern California and very experienced with high wind driven fires, curious things like one house burning and the next door neighbor being completely fine does happen. The extremely long period taken to complete this report is unacceptable. The tone of the assistant fire chief is unacceptable. He is not apologetic for the rekindling of the fire. He almost is accusing people of being ungrateful. I want someone to be held accountable for the withholding of resources based on DEI standards. That cost lives and property. Lastly, thank you, Jesse for all of your hard work and tolerance of ridiculous things people say. Trolls will troll. Thank you!

I've experienced what high winds can do during a fire. Blue River, Oregon 2020... No control, no matter how many firefighters were helping💙 it went 30 miles overnight, it was devastating! But some homes in the path survived in tact!! No conspiracy, just real life these days...

Thank you for being honest and not repeating conspiracy theories.

Again, great video. Thanks for the updates!

Totally agree with you. Thanks for the updates and the truth.

I agree. Fire was caused by a combination of down electrical lines and high winds. Personally, I believe the fire department should have completed two or three inspections to make sure all ambers were off.

Jesse, thanks for this report. The cause being power lines doesn’t surprise me. Here in Colorado, we have had many fires large and small started the same way. One of the recent ones was the Marshall fire south of Boulder (Dec 30 ‘21) that destroyed almost 1000 structures. As with Lahaina, many blame the power company for not maintaining lines and keeping vegetation cleared.

Another UTuber explained that same cause for the fire within hours of it. It doesn't take a genius or a board of experts to determine that wind plus fuel plus spark equals fire. Culpability is the real issue. Did the power company recognize the danger in reenergizing the line? Seems they didn't. The fire department did its best to put it out. But once it rekindled, why wasn't "emergency management" sounding sirens, and organizing a response, ie. evacuation. Why was the police department left out of the loop and blocking exit routes? It also appears the local government was aware of the potential for a catastrophic fire to occur given the conditions (high wind, dry grass, failure of the water pumps due to lack of power). No planning, no preparations, lack of a timely response, and no leadership in a crisis all contributed to this disaster.

Thank you sir for sharing this enlightening meeting of the local authorities! I too believe the theory that the extreme wind velocity aided this disastrous event. I live in Southern California where we have what is called “Santa Ana Winds”, sometimes reaching very similar velocity’s. With our relatively low humidity plus dry brush, it is a recipe for disasters like you had on Maui. On a personal note, Captain Giesea is a family friend who is widely known as a brilliant and genius level leader! His comments rang true because he was raised in Southern California and experienced those “Santa Ana Winds” on a personal level.

I have been following you since the fire happened. I truly hope you are right about how the fire initially started. I am so sorry your area had to go through this tragedy but it shows the strength of the people who are bravely rebuilding their lives and homes. Blessings to all. Now, our prayers are widened to those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 🙏🙏

Fully agree with you, completely

Thank you, Jesse, for this video. I'm with you, the origin of the fire outlined is accurate and plausible. I was glad I visited Lahaina in May 2023, ten weeks before the fire. I have followed what has happened since the fire and I am disappointed and yes, even disgusted by the conspiracy theories. But such is the social climate we live in these days. I pray our country can rise above this, just as I pray Lahaina will be rebuilt and rise again!

Yes, accurate report. Thank you, Jesse. Take care of yourself.❤

I support the ATF/MFD conclusion. Thanks for providing us with so much good info. 🤙🏼

The best definition of a conspiracy theory that I've heard is that it is a conclusion (for whatever reason) backed by select facts -- or none at all.

Thank you!!! We watch all your videos. I personally think the fire department did not extinguish the fire and they have a cute way of hiding it.

Finally someone that isn't spouting bogus conspiracy theories about so called space lasers.

I think the report was correct and respect your opinion. I would then be interested to know why the lines were re-energized and if it was known there was possible damage to certain poles/lines. Again thanks for your updates, as just a visitor to Lahania a few times over the years, I don't have anything in the game but I do grieve for the areas we loved to visit that will never be again.

The official explanation makes far more sense than the most normal conspiracy theory out there. I had also heard that downed utility lines were the cause of the fire, fanned into wildfire levels by the severe winds. This level of destruction may be unusual on the islands but it is becoming far too familiar on the mainland.

Still so surreal. ACCURATE REPORT

I've wondered what it would take for the public to not respect firefighters. This! That ANGRY, defensive statement about how they, how NOBODY, could have possibly done any more to make sure that the morning fire was entirely extinguished is EXACTLY how one lowly Asst. Chief could destroy the goodwill firefighters universally have in this country! I say this as someone with many beloved firefighters in my family. BTW, any of that response would have worked with the preface "We wrongly thought that..." and humility in his voice. Maybe backend it with, "We will NEVER make such stupid assumptions again, because if there is one thing that MFD does is learn from their mistake!" Thanks for the post, Jesse! You're doing great work for your community... you know, for a lizard guy.

What caused the fire is irrelevant from the point of view that although various official groups had gone to learn from California wildfires, they just “observed” these lessons and “learned no lessons”. Lessons like brush clearing under electrical lines, buried water cisterns, secondary evacuation routes, practicing evacuations, removal of flammable materials around individual houses, etc.

Good job Jesse , praying that this will not happen again. The brush is still the same unmaintained, wires are still above ground and wind will pick up here and there...offering no solution or blame to how the county handled everything will not bring closure or peace. Praying for Maui-the entire island❤ and the people there 🙏

Believe in the downed wires and the winds, just as you always said. Can never believe in all the stories we read on the internet. We were in Lahaina shortly before the fire and feel so sorry for all of those affected by the fire. Here's hoping for a great return for Lahaina, and once it's ready for visitors we hope to return.

Agree with what was determined. Changing water sources and having dry vegetation and heavy winds, Along with Electricity poles versus below ground caused this. In 2018 i was there during another Storm and the fire was stopped just outside lahaina at the highway.

You have always been the reasonable reporter. I guess it is a disability called sanity.

Thank you for sharing this Jesse. Something about this doesn't ring accurate with me.

What is happening to Lahaina now? Are they rebuilding? And if so, for whom? The people or developers?

Aloha Jesse. We were in Kapalua last year for Thanksgiving to do our part for the local economy. No argument on the down power lines starting the fire. The problem is the overgrowth of vegetation on that slope. Easy solution is bring in a boatload of goats and then you can manage and maintain the slope. Well worth the investment for the future of Lahaina. Mahalo bro

damn! I had lizard men with lazers on my bingo card :(

I completely believe the fire was an act of nature, wind and downed power lines. My concern is how the exit routes were handled.... or rather mis-handled.

Thank you for consistent and factual videos. We truly appreciate it. But I will forever think you as the Lizard Man now! 😂

Power lines and poor decisions were the cause. The death count would have been half if the Police had not blocked off Front St at booth ends and allowed people to go north and south on WAINEE ST. No sirens, and no evacuation orders by phone or by the police. I had 5 minutes to escape and lost virtually everything I owned.

Jesse, you are the voice of sanity. Just curious, what was the percentage of people with conspiracy theories, i hope it was the minority!

Thank you.... L/M. Jesse

My understanding is that these old wooden power poles were brought up over the years as being sub standard and would not hold up to hurricane force winds, add in the invasive dry brush/grass well it's not hard to figure out the power companies have to be responsible for this disaster. Huge mistakes were made, and continue to be made, by the local government in the aftermath but give up on thinking this was intentionally caused to allow big corporations to come in and build a Lahaina Resort world. More Drone updates please!

Thank you Terry for this video. I fully believe that the assessment was correct. SSSSo my fellow lizard man. Isssss it time to blow town becaussss our cover is blown?

As a Californian who knows that the power companies here have also caused death and destruction *by their own admission* by failing to maintain infrastructure, I fully believe Hawaii Electric bears the responsibility for the fire. And I know they'll skate, just as Edison and PG&E have here. Hell, the state here allowed them to pass the cost of their liability onto the customers.

Thank you for sharing what you have learned about what started the fire. Although I don't think that is where the conspiracy begins. We all agree where and when the fire started. It's the way it burned, water being turned off, roads being blocked, obvious fire coming out of the sewer drains and of course nothing blue burned. But miraculously the newest housing division did not burn. The fire went around them. But we do all agree that in the beginning the fires were started by Blackrock electric turning on downed power lines. That wasn't an accident. And the blocking of exits wasn't an accident either. All this most likely wasn't pre planned or a conspiracy to burn down Lahina but it also wasn't an accident. Considering so many things could have prevented the fire from happening at all.

You are correct, I believe it was caused by winds and downed power lines.

From what I’ve seen and read, I believe that the fire was an accident, however, I’m not so sure the emergency response was handled appropriately. Disasters happen but it seems like evacuation wasn’t handled correctly or coordinated well. Again, why weren’t the sirens used? In the morning those sirens should have been sounded and people should have been evacuated and kept away from the area after the first fire as they should have known the very strong potential for further fire due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions. It still seems a little suspect…

Thanks Lizard Man! You da Man😁👍

Their lil theory doesn't explain why all the blue stuff didn't burn or how a tour submarine melted in the harbor

Jesse, I believe that you were telling the truth. Downed power lines…..and the intense winds. It was not caused by anyone intentionally! I am sorry for the people of Lahaina and wished that it never happened.

Jesse.. The electricity was OFF and stayed off when you got up in the morning, Correct?

Fish himself saw something fishy. Keeping my mind open

I’m pretty sure everyone has heard about the number of disastrous fires that have been started by downed power lines in California. I have no trouble believing this too was the cause of this tragedy‼️

Like paradise calif the old wooden no fire breaks and old landscape burns up with a big wind ,concrete tile roofs would not have burned,build it back right and you will never have to worry about fire again ,sorry so many lost so much very sad times some folks will never recover ,

Get ready for Maui utility rates to double to pay for the civil suit...'er incompetence -

Keep up the good work Jesse! I'm convinced that no matter how much evidence you show certain people, they will never believe the truth when a radical conspiracy theory will substitute. I actually feel sad for those who go down conspiracy theory Rabbit holes, as it's truly detrimental to their lives and their relationships in the long run. I personally know of a couple of people who have bought in to some very radical theories. One of them ended up in the hospital because of her distrust of traditional (and proven) medical treatments of diabetes. She nearly died as a result, and is still recovering.

We had no electricity around 6 AM

Explain homes leveled but trees and plastics untouched. Just like paradise ca?!

maybe the electric lines should be under earth in areas prone to storms?

Please link the report to this video

Blaming the fire on “sparks from a utility switch closure” does not add up. Even if the switch arced during closure, and the arc produced some molten metal “sparks” - those sparks cool off before they get to the ground 25 to 50 feet below the wires. If someone wanted to prove this hypothesis to me, they would have to show me the remains of the switch contacts themselves, which the fire would have left intact.

The fire was an accident caused by broken wires and high winds.

The fire was caused by a lack of readiness.

Why is the atf involved in this?

I swear you made comments about the oddity of burned cars outside the fire perimeter - no ?

They are all in the club

Ventura is a really good local boy my kids grew up with… please stop blaming him

I think the report was accurate

you should try doing a video without the teleprompter, it would be more natural