Hurricane winds probably knocked down energized power lines which started the fire. Very similar to the Marshall Fire which devastated a suburb of Boulder CO in December ‘21. A good, dry grass crop carries fire easily. Especially being wind driven. Two of the 5 common factors of fatality wildfires is being caught in light flashy fuels (e.g. grass) and gusty, erratic winds. Exactly what happened in Maui. This is a far more natural, and likely explanation for what happened than lasers and conspiracy.
The long term outcome of this will be similar to what’s happening across the American west. A wildfire is started by downed power lines. Fire blasts though areas with high fuel loading due to mismanagement. Massive damage to property, and massive insurance claims result. Power companies are sued for huge sums (e.g. PG&E, and now the local provider in Maui). Power companies declare, or threaten bankruptcy. Government financial support is needed to maintain electricity in rural areas. Insurance companies pull out of areas due to fire risk. This has happened in several western states, and is spreading. Homeowners can’t buy (or own) rural houses due to banks not financing uninsured property. Cash is supreme and only the wealthy can afford the prices in this market. Less wealthy people are forced into cities, making them easier to control.
This is the playbook that has been used, is being used, and will continue to be used to depopulate rural areas.
