I just clicked the links. When DH comes in (vol/profession firefighting for about 10-12 years) he can look and give his assessment.
These were wind driven fires, winds 60-80 mph. Fires started by trees falling on electric lines. Fires start that way very commonly around here. Wind driven fires are the very, very worst, burning embers can and do travel up to one mile or more and start spot fires. Fires can burn in a circle, as the fire burns, it creates a black area when all the fuel is burned, and the outside perimeter continues burning, which can easily be a circle.
People not familiar with wildfire behavior can see “mysteries” where there are simple explanations. That side of Maui is the dry side.
Very dry. And, the last time I was there, the cane fields were overgrown with dry grasses. Hard, dry, hot burning Keawe (Mesquite) was everywhere and Eucalyptus (Torch trees) lined the roads. The town of Lahaina, especially places like the Pioneer Inn, were practically built of kindling.
Perhaps that has changed or I am misremembering. If so, I am sure someone will correct me. But IMO, once the fire struck, the town was doomed.
Dry fuel
high winds
Hawaiian "Bumbai" attitude.
a spark
Perfect conditions."Too easy burn. Too hahd put out"