Federal Response Teams Deployed to Assist in Determining Cause of Maui Wildfires
In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that spread across Maui last week, the Justice Department has deployed federal emergency response teams to Hawaii to support the local response in determining the cause of the fires. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) has dispatched a team of investigators, including an electrical engineer from the ATF Fire Research Laboratory and a supervisor from the Arson and Explosives Group.
The ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge, Jonathan McPherson, announced the deployment in a statement, expressing hope that the resources provided by the National Response Team will assist in determining the origin and cause of the wildfires and bring healing to the community. The ATF, although primarily a law enforcement entity, often assists local entities in determining the cause of wildfires, even if criminality is not suspected.
In addition to the ATF investigators, 15 deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service have been deployed to Maui to assist with local law enforcement. The Justice Department’s response to the Maui blaze also includes agents from the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). According to the ATF, 60 DEA agents are currently on Maui. The FBI’s Honolulu Division is helping the Maui Police Department locate and identify missing individuals or victims of the wildfires by collecting DNA samples from family members.
Under the authority of Emergency Support Function #13, federal agencies respond to natural and other disasters to assist with local safety and security. While state and local authorities are responsible for the initial response, federal components step in when local resources are overwhelmed or inadequate. Other federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security, also play a significant role in emergency response functions.
The deadliest wildfire in over a century, the Lahaina fire has claimed the lives of over 110 people, and the search for victims is ongoing. The cause of the fires has not yet been determined, and investigators are examining whether power lines may have sparked the wildfires.
The Maui Emergency Management Agency’s head resigned after their response to the blaze faced public scrutiny. The deployment of federal response teams aims to support local authorities in determining the cause of the wildfires and provide assistance to the affected community. The investigation continues as the search for victims continues.
Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-08-19 00:19:00
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