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Maui wildfires: What are the deadliest fires in U.S. history?

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2023

The Maui wildfires, ignited by high winds, have tragically claimed the lives of at least 93 individuals, marking a somber milestone as the deadliest wildfire event in the United States in over a century.

The death toll is expected to rise as recovery teams, accompanied by cadaver dogs, meticulously sift through the charred remains of Lahaina, a historic resort city.

The conflagration, which ignited on Tuesday night, continues to baffle experts in terms of its origins, leaving Hawaii Governor Josh Green to describe the devastated area as a “war zone.” As the affected region remains in shock, a grim parallel emerges with the Peshtigo fire of 1871. This Wisconsin blaze, which engulfed the town of Peshtigo, resulted in a staggering death toll of 1,152 – a haunting record that stands to this day.

Closer in history, the Maui wildfire has surpassed the destructive force of the Cloquet Fire in October 1918, known for sparking devastation across northern Minnesota. This deadly event, fueled by railroad sparks, led to the loss of 453 lives.

The striking recurrence of such catastrophic fires has raised concerns over the vulnerability of US homes to wildfire threats. According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), nearly half of the country’s land area comprises forests, shrublands, and grasslands. Approximately 45 million American homes are situated near or adjacent to these at-risk areas. The National Interagency Fire Center estimates a staggering 71.8 million properties are exposed to some level of wildfire danger.

Increasingly hot and arid conditions foster the rapid spread, prolonged burning, and heightened intensity of wildfires. Since the 1980s, the ten years with the most extensive wildfire damage all coincided with the warmest years on record.

Peak wildfire season

The United States is witnessing a shifting wildfire landscape, with an earlier peak wildfire season and alarmingly escalating fire counts. In 2022 alone, the nation experienced 66,255 wildfires, dwarfing the 18,229 recorded in 1983. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasizes the crucial role of climate change in escalating fire risks.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in the Maui wildfires, questions loom about the course of action that must be taken. Solutions involving controlled burns and strategic forest management have gained traction as ways to mitigate the impacts of these infernos. But what remains certain is that climate change must be tackled head-on to quell the devastating trend of increasingly deadly wildfires.

*Reporting by Ryder Hayes; Editing by Lisa Shumaker*

News

SpaceX IPO could make Elon Musk’s Mars dream a trillion-dollar reality

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Published

7 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could raise $25 billion and value the company over $1 trillion, igniting investor excitement for Mars missions.

Investors are buzzing as SpaceX gears up for a potential IPO, aiming to raise more than $25 billion, possibly as soon as June. The offering could value the company at over $1 trillion, fueling Musk’s ambitious plans for Mars and beyond.

Despite the high-risk nature of space ventures, demand from retail investors is expected to be strong. Experts predict this IPO could become historic, with the company’s market value potentially soaring past $2 trillion once it launches.

Musk’s unconventional management style hasn’t slowed investor enthusiasm, even amidst regulatory hurdles. The funds raised could also support groundbreaking innovations, including energy-efficient space data centers.

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#SpaceX #ElonMusk #IPO #MarsMission #Investing #StockMarket #TrillionDollar #SpaceTech

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Russia shoots down 280+ Ukrainian drones as Zelenskyy pushes new peace plan

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Published

8 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Russia claims 280 Ukrainian drones shot down; Zelenskyy finalizes a new peace proposal amid rising tensions and military clashes.

Russia’s Defence Ministry claims it has shot down over 280 Ukrainian drones, with 40 intercepted near Moscow, some targeting the city directly. Emergency services responded to debris, and temporary flight restrictions were enforced at Moscow’s airports amid the attacks.

Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy revealed his team is finalizing a revised 20-point peace proposal, introducing new ideas on territorial control. Ukrainian and American officials are set to consult online, focusing on security guarantees rather than the detailed points of the plan.

As tensions rise, both military clashes and diplomatic efforts continue to shape the future of the conflict. Keep up with the latest updates and expert analysis on these unfolding events.

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#UkraineConflict #RussiaUkraine #Zelenskyy #DroneAttack #PeacePlan #Moscow #WorldNews #TickerUpdates

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Disney invests $1B in OpenAI to generate Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar videos

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Published

8 hours ago

December 12, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for AI-generated videos featuring iconic characters, enhancing fan interactions and launching in 2026.

Disney is taking AI to the next level, investing $1 billion in OpenAI to create a licensing deal that allows users to generate videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. This partnership could redefine how fans interact with their favorite characters.

The deal will let users stream short AI-generated videos directly on Disney+, and ChatGPT will also produce images of Disney’s licensed characters. However, the agreement excludes talent likenesses or voices, keeping human performances separate.

Set to launch in 2026, the collaboration also gives Disney warrants to purchase additional OpenAI equity and use AI tools for product development, opening doors to new creative opportunities.

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