Before last week’s deadly and devastating fires in western Maui, authorities sent out text alerts and warned of the fast-spreading blazes via TV and radio.
However, the state’s integrated outdoor siren warning system – the largest in the world, with about 400 alarms – was not activated during the fires, according to Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. There are 80 alarms in Maui.
Over 90 people have been reported dead as a result of the fires, with most of the damage in the tourist city of Lahaina.
The wildfires have also cause at least $1.3 billion in property damage.