As we all are well aware, the island of Maui was struck with a horrible disaster on August 8th, 2023. A lot of us probably know someone who has been impacted by this tragedy. You either know someone who lives there, someone who has a loved one there, or some other of the six degrees of separation we seem to have with almost everyone these days.
For me, the person I thought of was Patrick Wardle. This is a great example of why being alive at this point in time is so incredible. You see, Patrick and I have never physically met. He is a computer security expert and understands Macs in ways that most human beings can't even fathom. I met Patrick through some of my research as Technology Editor for Dental Products Report. We've conversed via email and through "X" (formerly Twitter) I have the ultimate respect for Patrick. He founded the Objective-See Foundation and also hosts the "Objective by the Sea" (#OBTS) conference. He also has written and released quite a few Mac security utilities that he makes available through Objective-See *and they are free*!!! So when I first heard about the fires, I was concerned about his welfare. I'm glad to be able to tell you that Patrick is safe a healthy.
My next concern was "how can I help?" We've all seen scam situations where criminals manage to setup what appears to be legitimate charities, but take the donated money and run. So as I was considering how to donate, I was relieved to receive an email from Objective-See with a way to make donations. Patrick has setup a Go Fund Me page for the disaster. What follows is from an email I received from Objective-See:
Note that:
• 100% of the money raised through our fundraiser will be donated to trusted organizations, such as United Way's "Maui Fire Relief Fund" and Maui's Food Bank, that directly support those impacted by this crisis on Maui.
• As the Objective-See Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is a tax-deductible contribution (to the extent allowed by US tax laws).
If you, like me are looking for a way to donate that you can be absolutely sure is going to help people on Maui affected by this disaster, this is the way to do it. Patrick has a heart of gold and I'm proud to be able to provide this info to those of you who read the blog and support me every day by reading what I write.
Just in case you haven't heard about the wildfire or if you would simply like some info on the disaster, here is some info...
The Maui Wildfire: A Devastating Tragedy
On August 8, 2023, a series of wildfires broke out on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The fires quickly spread, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. By the time they were contained, the fires had killed at least 111 people, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and caused billions of dollars in damage.
The fires were the deadliest in Hawaii's history, and they have had a devastating impact on the island's community. Many people have lost their homes, their businesses, and their loved ones. The recovery effort will be long and difficult, but the people of Maui are resilient and determined to rebuild.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but it is believed that they were started by downed power lines. The high winds that were blowing at the time caused the lines to arc, igniting the dry vegetation.
The fires have highlighted the vulnerability of Hawaii to wildfires. The state is in a drought, and the vegetation is very dry. The high winds that are common in Hawaii can also fan the flames and make it difficult to control wildfires.
In the wake of the fires, there have been calls for better fire prevention measures in Hawaii. These measures could include thinning the vegetation, clearing brush around homes and businesses, and installing fire-resistant materials.
The Maui wildfires are a reminder of the destructive power of wildfires. They are also a reminder of the importance of fire prevention and preparedness. The people of Maui are resilient, and they will rebuild. But it will take time and effort to recover from this devastating tragedy.
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