The Challenge of Allocating Resources during the Fires

The response to the fires in Lahaina was characterized by the difficulty of allocating resources effectively. The firefighters faced challenges in determining the number of fires and dividing their resources accordingly. It is suggested that there may have been a bias towards protecting wealthy individuals' properties at the expense of others. However, due to the chaotic circumstances, it is acknowledged that some decisions may not have been defensible. The size and speed of the fire were exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions, similar to those experienced in California wildfires. The danger posed by the fires led to a need for evacuation orders, which unfortunately occurred with some missteps and confusion.