Hawaiian Electric says power lines were 'de-energized' hours before Maui wildfire

after the Aug. 8 blaze as authorities continue to search charred buildings and cars.

The first fire broke out around 6:30 a.m., the Maui County Fire Department responded and later reported that it was “100% contained.” The fire department left the scene about 2 p.m. when the fire was considered “extinguished,” according to Hawaiian Electric’s statement. Maui County's lawsuit alleges that Hawaiian Electric was negligent as it failed to maintain the power grid prior to the fire or power down its equipment despite the weather conditions and warnings shared by the National Weather Service. The suit claims that the utility company's"energized and downed power lines ignited“The county’s lawsuit may leave us no choice in the legal system but to show its responsibility for what happened that day,” Kimura said in her statement.

“To the extent HECO has information of a second ignition source, HECO should offer that evidence now," said John Fiske, an attorney for Maui County, using an abbreviation for Hawaiian Electric."The ultimate responsibility rests with HECO to de-energize, ensure its equipment and systems are properly maintained, and ensure downed power lines are not energized.

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