search
Maui wildfires
Trends
- 1Maui wildfire ash harmed lungs long after fires ended▼# Health # Maui # Hawaii # USA # US Metal mixtures found in the leftover smoke, ash and debris from the deadly 2023 Maui
A new study reports that metal mixtures found in smoke, ash and debris from the deadly 2023 Maui wildfires damaged the lung health of nearby residents long after the burning stopped. Researchers say the findings show major wildfires can pose lasting health risks beyond the flames themselves, raising concerns for communities recovering from fire disasters.
- 2Maui wildfire residents show elevated metals tied to lung damage▼Residents near Maui wildfires show elevated metals linked to impacted lung health, study says
A new study reports that residents living near the Maui wildfire burn zones show elevated levels of metals in their bodies, with the exposure linked to impaired lung health. The findings raise ongoing concerns about the long-term effects of smoke and debris from the 2023 fires, and about health monitoring for affected communities in Lahaina and surrounding areas.
- 3Toxic metal risk lingers months after Maui wildfires, study finds●Risk from toxic metals can persist months after wildfires, Maui study finds
A new study of the Maui wildfires finds that toxic metals released by the blaze can pose a health risk for months after the flames are extinguished. Researchers warn that contaminated ash and soil may continue to endanger residents long after fires end, highlighting a lingering public health threat that recovery efforts must address.
- 4University of Hawaii study finds elevated toxic metals in Maui residents after 2023 wildfires●UH study finds elevated toxic metals in Maui residents months after 2023 wildfires
Researchers at the University of Hawaii report that Maui residents showed elevated levels of toxic metals months after the August 2023 wildfires, including the Lahaina fire that killed more than 100 people. The findings raise concerns about long-term health effects of wildfire smoke and ash exposure, and residents are calling for continued testing and support.
- 5HECO cuts power in Pukalani after Hurricane Nolo●HECO activates PSPS outages in Pukalani following Hurricane Nolo
Hawaiian Electric has activated a Public Safety Power Shutoff in Pukalani, Maui, following Hurricane Nolo. The precautionary outages are meant to reduce the risk of wildfires or equipment damage from storm-stressed power lines. Residents in the affected area face disruption while crews monitor conditions, and the shutoffs have drawn attention to how utilities balance safety against leaving communities without power during storm season.
- 6Lahaina's Front Street Faces Uncertain Future as Businesses Stay Away▼Uncertain Future for Lahaina’s Front Street, Where Businesses Have Yet to Return
More than a year after the wildfire that devastated Lahaina, Maui, many businesses along the town's historic Front Street have yet to reopen, leaving the once-bustling tourist strip largely empty. Local reporting highlights questions over rebuilding timelines, insurance and lease disputes, and whether the area can regain its role as the economic and cultural heart of West Maui.
- 7Toxic metal risk lingers months after Maui wildfires, study finds●Risk from toxic metals can persist months after wildfires, Maui study finds https://www. statnews.com/2026/09/28/hawaii
A new study of the Maui wildfires finds that toxic metals released by the fires can continue to pose a health risk through air and soil exposure for months after the flames are out. Researchers warn that residents returning to affected areas may face lingering hazards, and that air-quality monitoring should extend well beyond the immediate aftermath.