evacuate from wildfires that destroyed at least two homes as of Tuesday as a dry season mixed with strong wind gusts made for dangerous fire conditions. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP)
KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — A devastating wildfire ripped through the heart of Maui, Hawaii, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, leaving a historic town in ruins and forcing residents to flee into the ocean to escape the flames. The fire, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, has claimed the lives of at least six people, injured dozens, and destroyed or damaged 271 structures.
As the fires continued to rage on Wednesday afternoon, officials expressed concerns that the death toll could rise. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen described the day as “deeply somber” and offered prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.
With the winds subsiding slightly, aircraft were able to resume flights, allowing pilots to witness the extent of the devastation. Aerial footage of the coastal town of Lahaina showed flattened homes and businesses, including popular tourist spots on Front Street. The waterfront was littered with smoking rubble, charred trees, and scorched boats in the harbor.
Helicopter pilot Richard Olsten, who has been flying in the area for over five decades, expressed his shock at the destruction, saying, “It’s horrifying. I’ve never seen anything come close to that.” Acting Governor Sylvia Luke urged travelers to stay away from the area, emphasizing that it was not safe.
Maui officials advised visitors to leave Lahaina, and the county organized a mass bus evacuation to transport people directly to the airport. West Maui remained without phone service, electricity, or cell coverage.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but experts believe that a combination of high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation contributed to its rapid spread. Major General Kenneth Hara of the Hawaii State Department of Defense stated that climate change is also increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events.
The fire tore through Lahaina with alarming speed, engulfing intersections and wooden buildings in the town center, which dates back to the 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents described the scene as “apocalyptic” and recounted their narrow escapes as they fled the advancing flames.
Firefighters battled three separate fires in Maui, including one in the Upcountry community of Kula, where at least two homes were destroyed. On Hawaii’s Big Island, three wildfires were also reported, but no injuries or home losses have been reported.
The National Weather Service attributed the strong winds to Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the Hawaiian islands at a safe distance of 500 miles. The Coast Guard conducted a rescue operation, saving 14 people, including two children, who had sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoke.
As search and rescue operations continue, the death toll may rise. Six patients with critical burns were flown from Maui to Oahu for treatment, while others were taken to hospitals in Honolulu. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to assist in the emergency response.
The devastating wildfire in Maui serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change and the urgent need for action to mitigate its effects.ities are battling wildfires fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora. The town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui has been particularly affected, with much of the historic town reduced to ash. At least six people have died, dozens have been injured, and 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
The fires, which started in darkness on Wednesday, continue to burn as Hurricane Dora passes south of the Hawaiian islands. Officials are concerned that the death toll may rise. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen expressed his grief and offered prayers for the affected families.
As the winds subsided slightly, aircraft were able to resume flights, allowing pilots to assess the extent of the devastation. Aerial footage showed the destruction in Lahaina, with homes and businesses flattened and boats in the harbor scorched. The town’s popular Front Street, known for its shops and restaurants, was also heavily damaged.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke urged travelers to stay away from the area, emphasizing that it is not safe. Maui officials have organized a mass bus evacuation to transport people directly to the airport. West Maui is currently without cell or landline phone service or electricity.
The exact cause of the fire is unknown, but factors such as high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation likely contributed. Experts also point to climate change as a factor in increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events.
The fire spread rapidly through Lahaina, crossing intersections and engulfing wooden buildings. Residents described the scene as apocalyptic and recounted their narrow escapes. Crews are currently battling fires in Lahaina, Kihei, and the Upcountry area of Maui.
On the neighboring Big Island, three wildfires are also burning, but there have been no reports of injuries or lost homes. Hurricane Dora, passing at a safe distance of 500 miles, has caused gusts above 60 mph, knocking out power and grounding firefighting helicopters.
The Coast Guard has rescued 14 people, including two children, who sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoke. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll may rise. Several patients have been transported to hospitals on Oahu and Maui for treatment.
Maui County has issued an emergency proclamation, and the Hawaii National Guard has been activated to assist with the situation. Shelters in certain parts of Maui are overwhelmed, and resources are being strained.
How did climate change contribute to the rapid spread and severity of the wildfire in Lahaina, and what steps can be taken to address the impacts of climate change on extreme weather events in Hawaii
Resume flights, providing a clear view of the extensive devastation. Aerial footage revealed the complete destruction of homes and businesses in Lahaina, including popular tourist spots. The waterfront was left in ruins, with debris, charred trees, and scorched boats scattered across the harbor.
Helicopter pilot Richard Olsten, who has witnessed many disasters in the area, described the scene as horrifying and unprecedented. Acting Governor Sylvia Luke strongly advised against travel to the affected area, stressing its current unsafe conditions.
In response, local officials arranged a mass bus evacuation for residents and visitors to be transported directly to the airport. However, West Maui remained without basic services, including phone, electricity, and cell coverage.
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, experts believe that dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds contributed to the rapid spread. Major General Kenneth Hara of the Hawaii State Department of Defense also highlighted the impact of climate change in increasing the likelihood of such extreme weather events.
The fire’s destructive path through Lahaina was swift, engulfing intersections and historic wooden buildings dating back centuries. Residents described the situation as apocalyptic and shared their harrowing experiences escaping the advancing flames.
Firefighters battled multiple fires across Maui and the Big Island, with two homes reportedly destroyed in the Upcountry community of Kula. Three wildfires were also reported on the Big Island, fortunately without any injuries or home losses.
The National Weather Service attributed the strong winds to Hurricane Dora, which passed south of the Hawaiian islands at a safe distance. The Coast Guard played a crucial role in rescuing 14 people, including two children, who sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoke.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and the death toll may increase. Six critically burned patients were transferred to Oahu for treatment, and others were taken to hospitals in Honolulu. The Hawaii National Guard has been mobilized to support emergency response operations.
This devastating wildfire underscores the growing dangers of climate change and calls for urgent action to address its impacts. As communities brace themselves for the increasing risks imposed by extreme weather events, mitigating climate change becomes an imperative priority.
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for the residents and hoping for a speedy recovery for the town. 🙏🏼🔥