Fire damage is seen on Aug. 12, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

 Fire damage is seen on Aug. 12, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Maui Fire officials had warned in an alert issued Tuesday, Aug. 8, that "erratic wind, challenging terrain, steep slopes and dropping humidity, the direction and the location of the fire conditions make it difficult to predict path and speed of a wildfire." It noted that "fires can start at a far distance from their source" when wind pushes embers upward and sparks are ignited downwind.

"The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house," said Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea in a statement included in the alert. "Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire."

Where are the fires in Maui?

Firefighters were continuing to fight flames in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui, including ongoing fires and flare-ups, the County of Maui said Tuesday, Aug. 15 — a week after the disaster began.

Officials said the Lahaina fire was 85% contained and the Upcountry/Kula fire was 75% contained — up from 60% containment reported the previous day — while the Pulehu/Kihei fire had been 100% contained.