Maui County filed a lawsuit against utility company Hawaiian Electric Thursday accusing the utility of starting the massive wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, by negligently failing to shut off power during high winds and dry conditions, the Associated Press reported.
The Hawaiian Electric logo is displayed outside the electric power utility company's office in the ... [+]
Witnesses reportedly saw — and surveillance video showed — sparks flying from power lines and igniting fires as utility poles snapped in heavy winds as the fire broke out August 8, according to the AP.
The lawsuit argued that if the utility had heeded “warnings and de-energized their powerlines during the predicted high-wind gusts, this destruction could have been avoided.”
The lawsuit alleges the company knew high winds “would topple power poles, knock down power lines, and ignite vegetation,” and “that if their overhead electrical equipment ignited a fire, it would spread at a critically rapid rate.”
The county argued Hawaiian Electric had a duty “to properly maintain and repair the electric transmission lines, and other equipment including utility poles associated with their transmission of electricity, and to keep vegetation properly trimmed and maintained so as to prevent contact with overhead power lines and other electric equipment.”
The county is seeking financial compensation for damage to public property and resources in Lahaina and Kula, Hawaii in its lawsuit.
The fire killed at least 115 people and over a thousand more are missing, according to local officials.
Forbes has reached out to Hawaiian Electric for comment.