The Intelligence from The Economist Through the fire: an update from Hawaii
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Aug 16, 2023 
Oliver Morton, Briefings Editor at The Economist, offers poignant insights on the Maui wildfires, detailing the environmental factors that contributed to this catastrophic event. He discusses personal stories of loss and the ongoing recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Mie Dahl, the publication's Latin America correspondent, examines the economic fallout from falling coca prices in Colombia, shedding light on the struggles of farmers and the implications for rural communities. Together, they paint a stark portrait of crisis and resilience.
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Escape to the Ocean
- Erin Braun drove across Maui to assess the fire damage.
- The fires spread rapidly, forcing families to flee into the ocean.
Fire Conditions in Hawaii
- While Hawaiian islands are lush, their western sides are drier due to wind patterns.
- Abandoned farmland provided fuel, exacerbated by a flash drought.
Downslope Winds
- Dry winds intensified by a downslope effect, known as the fern effect, worsened the Maui fires.
- Similar wind conditions contributed to the Paradise, California fire.