At least 36 people have been killed in Maui County as wildfires sweep across parts of the island.
The blazes have destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes and historically significant sites. Thousands of residents and travelers have been displaced on Maui, which is home to about 160,000.
Firefighters in Maui are working around the clock to battle blazes hard-hit Lahaina, as well as fires in the Pulehu and Upcountry areas, Maui County said Wednesday afternoon. Parts of Hawaii’s Big Island have also been impacted by wildfires.
According to CNN,
- At least six injured in fires: At least six people have been injured in the wildfires, though that toll is expected to rise, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said Wednesday. Three of the injuries were burn-related, he said. A firefighter was also taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
- More than 271 structures impacted in tourist hub of Lahaina: Much of Lahaina, a touristic and economic hub of 9,000 people, has been decimated by the fires, Green said. A flyover of the area on Wednesday showed that more than 271 structures there have been affected, according to a Maui County news release. Satellite imagery shows several historic sites there have been burned.
- More than 11,000 people flown out of Maui: Officials are asking travelers who have any means of transportation to leave Lahaina and Maui as soon as they can, according to a Wednesday evening update from Maui County. More than 11,000 people were flown off the island on Wednesday, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said. About 1,500 more people are expected to fly out Thursday, he said.
- Not enough long-term shelter for displaced residents: Gov. Green estimated that several thousand Maui residents will need long-term shelter after losing their homes to the wildfires – a resource he said the island currently does not have. Speaking to CNN Wednesday, the governor urged travelers to avoid coming to Maui, noting the island will need to use hotel rooms, Airbnbs and other shelters “to house our people.” He said officials are also working on a program that would connect displaced residents with locals who may be able to shelter them.
Resident Daniel Sullivan described the scene on Maui,
The island has been decimated.
The fire was blocking anything that didn’t have a tree falling on it, and the shelters that people had gone to were having to be evacuated because the fires were taking over the shelters.
It was apocalyptic. We have never seen anything like it.”
People are being asked not to travel to the area. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said last night,
We’ll welcome visitors back to paradise after the fire’s done and after we can rebuild.”
To help Hawaii wildfire victims go here to support relief efforts.
Wildfires have devastated parts of the island of Maui in Hawaii, killing at least six people, damaging or destroying more than 270 structures and reducing parts of historic Lahaina to ash. https://t.co/sAvP0pbnAB
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 10, 2023
(Photos, screen grabs; via CNN)
