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Hawaii’s electric utility acknowledged Sunday night its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have a second wildfire break out nearby and become the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.

In its statement, the utility addressed the cause for the first time. It said the fire on the morning of Aug. 8 "appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high winds." The Associated Press reported Saturday that bare electrical wire that could spark on contact and leaning poles on Maui were the possible cause.

Hawaiian Electric Company released a statement in response to Maui County's lawsuit blaming the utility for failing to shut off power before the deadly wildfire.

Hawaiis electric utility acknowledged its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have a second wildfire break out nearby and become the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.

Aging, fragile power infrastructure combined with drought conditions and high winds have created a recipe for disaster.

Hawaii’s electric utility acknowledged Sunday night its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have a second wildfire break out nearby and become the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century

Hawaiian Electric Co. is facing multiple lawsuits after more than 100 people died in the fires.

Hawaii’s electric utility acknowledged Sunday night its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have

Hawaiian Electric said its own crews then went to the scene that afternoon to make repairs and did not see fire, smoke or embers.

Utility Takes Responsibility In Maui Fire, Faults County Firefighters - Across America, US - Hawaii's electric utility acknowledged its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for leaving too soon.