Thu Sep 05 00:56:48 UTC 2024: – Hawaii’s congressional representatives are calling for $20.9 billion to be allocated to replenish the nation’s disaster relief fund
– The fund, used by FEMA, is currently depleted and only being used for immediate needs due to recent disasters
– FEMA has spent over $3 billion on recovery efforts in Lahaina, Hawaii after deadly wildfires
– A new report suggests steps communities can take to prevent grassland wildfires from turning into urban conflagrations
– Recommendations include establishing fuel breaks, using fire-resistant building materials, and reducing flammable connections between homes
– The report details how embers from burning buildings, combined with high winds, allowed the Lahaina fire to spread and cause extensive damage, with over 2,100 structures destroyed and estimated reconstruction costs of $5.5 billion.

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