WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — The search for survivors and the assessment of damage continues in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The fire, which started on Tuesday, has already claimed 36 lives, making it the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in recent years.
Fueled by dry conditions and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire quickly spread through the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination. The blaze caught residents and authorities by surprise, leaving little time for evacuation.
As firefighters battled the stubborn blaze, the extent of the destruction became apparent. The search of the wildfire wreckage revealed a wasteland of burned-out homes and obliterated communities. Maui County reported that at least 36 people had died, surpassing the death toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people.
Rescue efforts have been hindered by ongoing fires and obstructions, but officials are hopeful that they will be able to reach previously inaccessible areas soon. The number of casualties and the extent of the damage are expected to rise as the search continues.
“These were large and fast-moving fires, and it’s only recently that we’ve started to get our arms around them and contain them. So, we’re hoping for the best, but we’re prepared for the worst,” said Adam Weintraub, a spokesman for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Eyewitness accounts of the fire paint a harrowing picture. Some residents had mere minutes to evacuate, while others were forced to flee into the ocean. Videos posted on social media showed buildings engulfed in flames as sirens blared and strong winds fanned the fire.
As the fires raged, tourists were advised to stay away from the affected areas. Thousands of tourists have already left the island, and more are expected to follow. The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu has been prepared to accommodate the displaced residents.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed his grief and solidarity with the affected communities. “We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time. In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a ‘kaiaulu,’ or community, as we rebuild with resilience and aloha,” he said.
The fires were exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the island. Climate experts have warned that extreme weather events like this are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
While wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, the dry conditions and high winds created the perfect conditions for a devastating blaze. The lack of rainfall in recent months has left the vegetation parched and highly flammable.
The neighboring Big Island is also experiencing wildfires, although no injuries or destroyed homes have been reported there.
As the full scope of the devastation becomes apparent, residents are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. Power outages and disrupted communication networks have added to the challenges faced by the affected communities.
President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster on Maui and ordered all available federal assets to assist with the response efforts. The Hawaii National Guard has mobilized helicopters for fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations.
“Our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed,” said President Biden.
Local authorities are still investigating the cause of the fires, but residents have reported strong winds and a fire starting on a hillside.
As the recovery and rebuilding process begins, the resilience and unity of the Hawaiian community will be put to the test.Deadliest Wildfire in Recent Years Devastates Maui, Hawaii
WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — The Hawaiian island of Maui is reeling from the aftermath of a deadly wildfire that has claimed the lives of 36 people, making it the deadliest blaze in the United States in recent years. The search for survivors and the assessment of the damage revealed a wasteland of burned-out homes and obliterated communities.
The fire, fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, started unexpectedly on Tuesday and quickly spread through the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination. Lahaina, which dates back to the 1700s, is the largest community on the island’s west side.
Maui County reported on Wednesday that at least 36 people had died, surpassing the death toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which claimed the lives of at least 85 people. The number of casualties in Hawaii could still rise as rescuers gain access to previously unreachable areas due to ongoing fires or obstructions. Additionally, 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people have been injured.
“These were large and fast-moving fires, and it’s only recently that we’ve started to get our arms around them and contain them. So, we’re hoping for the best, but we’re prepared for the worst,” said Adam Weintraub, a spokesman for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as the flames engulfed their homes and communities. Bosco Bae, a resident of Lahaina, captured a video showing fire consuming nearly every building on a street while sirens blared and strong winds fueled the inferno. Bae, one of the last people to evacuate the town, was taken to the island’s main airport and is anxiously waiting to return home.
Kamuela Kawaakoa and Iiulia Yasso, residents of Lahaina, shared their harrowing escape under smoke-filled skies. They managed to grab a change of clothes before fleeing their apartment as the surrounding bushes caught fire. “We barely made it out,” said Kawaakoa. They witnessed a senior center across the road being engulfed in flames and called 911, unsure if everyone had escaped. As they drove away, downed utility poles and other fleeing vehicles slowed their progress. “It was so hard to sit there and just watch my town burn to ashes and not be able to do anything,” Kawaakoa added.
As the fires continue to rage, tourists have been advised to stay away. Approximately 11,000 people flew out of Maui on Wednesday, and another 1,500 are expected to leave on Thursday. The Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu has been prepared to accommodate the thousands who have been displaced.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. expressed the profound impact of the disaster on the island. “We have been tested like never before in our lifetime. We are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time,” he said. Bissen emphasized the community’s resilience and unity as they begin the process of rebuilding.
The fires were exacerbated by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which passed far to the south. Climate experts have highlighted the role of climate change in increasing the likelihood of such devastating events. The dry vegetation in the lowland areas of Maui, coupled with below-average precipitation, created the perfect conditions for a destructive blaze.
While Maui faces the brunt of the wildfire, the Big Island is also experiencing fires. However, there have been no reports of injuries or destroyed homes there.
As the winds eased on Wednesday, pilots were able to witness the full extent of the devastation. Aerial footage from Lahaina showed dozens of homes and businesses reduced to rubble. The iconic Front Street, once bustling with tourists, now lay in ruins. The harbor was filled with scorched boats, and the charred remains of trees stood as a grim reminder of the destruction.
Power outages and disrupted cellular service have added to the challenges faced by residents. Major General Kenneth Hara of the Hawaii State Department of Defense assured the public that efforts were underway to restore communications, distribute water, and potentially increase law enforcement presence. National Guard helicopters have already dropped 150,000 gallons of water on the Maui fires.
The Coast Guard played a crucial role in rescuing 14 people, including two children, who jumped into the water to escape the flames and smoke.
The immediate cause of the fires is still under investigation, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.
President Joe Biden declared a major disaster on Maui and ordered all available federal assets to assist with the response. The Hawaii National Guard has mobilized helicopters for fire suppression and search-and-rescue operations. “Our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed,” said President Biden.
Governor Josh Green cut short his trip and returned to the island to oversee the emergency response. Acting Governor Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation and urged tourists to stay away.
Alan Dickar, a resident of Lahaina who owns a poster gallery and three houses, expressed his devastation at the loss. “The central two blocks are the economic heart of this island, and I don’t know what’s left. Every significant thing I owned burned down today,” he lamented.
The impact of this deadly wildfire will be felt for years to come as the community of Maui begins the arduous task of rebuilding and recovering from this tragic event.
Sinco Kelleher reported from Honolulu, and Perry reported from Wellington, New Zealand. Associated Press writers Christopher Weber in Los Angeles and Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed to this report.
How is Maui County dealing with the challenges of the deadliest wildfire in recent years in the United States?
Maui, Hawaii is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating wildfire that has claimed the lives of 36 people, making it the deadliest wildfire in recent years in the United States. The fire, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds from a passing hurricane, started unexpectedly on Tuesday and quickly spread through the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination. Maui County has reported that at least 36 people have died, surpassing the death toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in California. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but so far, there have been 271 structures damaged or destroyed and dozens of injuries. Rescue efforts have been hindered by ongoing fires and obstructions, but authorities are hopeful that they will be able to reach previously inaccessible areas soon. The full scope of the devastation is becoming apparent as residents begin the recovery and rebuilding process. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster on Maui
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragedy. 🙏🔥😢
Diana: My heart goes out to the brave firefighters battling this wildfire and the families who have lost loved ones. Stay strong, Maui. 💔🔥🙏
Emily: It’s devastating to see such a beautiful place like Maui suffer from this disaster. Let’s come together and support the victims in any way we can. 🌺💔
Nathan: This is a stark reminder of the urgency to address climate change and invest in better strategies for preventing and managing wildfires. Praying for Maui and its people. 🌍🙏🔥
Sophia: I can’t even imagine the pain and grief being felt by those who lost friends and family in this tragedy. Holding Maui in my thoughts and hoping for strength and resilience in the days ahead. 💔🔥🙏
Comment: My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and to everyone affected by this devastating wildfire. Stay strong, Maui. 💔🔥🙏