Tiffany Kidder Winn via APThe wind-whipped fires in Maui spread swiftly and created a deadly tinderbox, overwhelming residents and local officials in one of the nation’s deadliest wildfires. Fueled by a combination of strong winds and dry conditions – and complicated by the island’s geography – the fires have killed at least 36 people. Severe level drought conditions in Maui County ticked up to 16% from 5% last week, while statewide moderate drought levels jumped to 14% from 6%. Dried-out land and vegetation can fuel wildfires, which can swiftly turn deadly if strong winds help fan the flames toward communities. These winds coupled with low humidity levels produced "dangerous fire weather conditions” through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said.

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Persons: Tiffany Kidder Winn, ” Jennifer Marlon, Dora wasn't, Clay Trauernicht, –, ” Trauernicht, Trauernicht Organizations: Yale School of, CNN, US Drought, National Weather Service, University of Hawaii, of Forestry, Wildlife Locations: Lahaina , Hawaii, Hawaii, Lahaina, Maui, County, Manoa . Hawaii, West Maui