Why Hawaii’s wildfires are so devastating — and ‘predictable’

Scientists and wildfire activists say a confluence of factors heighten fire risks in the Aloha State and could trigger more disasters if action isn’t urgently taken. These include the spread of flammable nonnative grasses across abandoned farm fields and a failure to manage the vegetation and harden communities. In addition, changes in the climate are fueling stronger hurricanes and may be contributing to drier conditions in Hawaii. Elizabeth Pickett, co-director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, said while this week’s fires caught many off guard, they should not have been...