The Devastating Fires in Lahaina

At least 96 people died in wildfires in Hawaii, making them the deadliest in the US in more than a century.

CBS reporter Jessica Kartalija is on the island of Maui and tells us about why the toll is so large, and the questions being asked in its aftermath.

What can be done to mitigate against wildfires and make towns and cities more resilient? We talk to Dr Kimiko Barrett, an adviser to the Biden administration on wildfires, and analyst at Headwaters Economics.

And Americast host Justin Webb explains how the events are playing out in American politics.

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Today’s episode is hosted by James Cook. It was made by Chris Flynn with Joe Wilkinson and Clare Williamson. The technical director is Gareth Jones and the editor was Damon Rose.

00:00 - James Cook’s experience of reporting on wildfires 02:54 - The situation in Maui 12:02 - Why the fires spread so fast, and the political reaction