Anger rises over gov't response to deadly Hawaii wildfire: The Guardian

LONDON -- Public anger is bubbling up over the government response to the recent Hawaii wildfire as the deadliest blaze in more than a century in modern US history has killed at least 93 people, The Guardian reported Sunday.

"Along with the lack of warnings, residents are questioning why plans weren't in place to ensure a quick and effective response for victims still grappling with the ongoing issues caused by the fire," the British daily said.

Days before the fire erupted, weather forecasts warned of dangerous fire conditions triggered by strong winds and low humidity, said the report.

The "public safety power shutoffs" can help reduce fire risks caused by electric infrastructure, but "Hawaiian Electric hadn't adopted the strategy as part of its mitigation plan," it said.

Andrea Barretto, co-executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, a nonprofit institution dedicated to prevention and recovery, said that the organization released a preparedness plan for local communities roughly a decade ago.

But resources were in short supply and the community lacked the experience to handle large-scale fires, Barretto was quoted by the newspaper as saying. "You can have a plan on paper, but it doesn't mean it is going to turn into effective implementation unless you have practiced it."