Deadliest U.S. Wildfire in a Century Claims Over 100 Lives in Maui
Maui, Hawaii – The search for victims of the deadliest wildfire in over a century in the United States is ongoing on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The blaze, which broke out on August 8, has already claimed the lives of at least 101 people, with hundreds more still missing.
On Tuesday, President Biden announced that all necessary federal resources were being made available to Hawaii in their efforts to combat the devastating fire. The President assured that “every asset they need will be there for them,” adding that he and First Lady Jill Biden plan to travel to Hawaii as soon as they can.
The state of Hawaii has already deployed more than 400 members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and 273 National Guard soldiers to assist in the search and rescue efforts. However, the number of missing individuals remains high, with approximately 1,300 people still unaccounted for.
In an effort to provide shelter for those displaced by the fire, around 500 hotel rooms have been made available, with 331 residents already staying in them. Additionally, the state has set up an Airbnb program, offering 1,000 rooms or houses that will be covered by FEMA for both evacuees and first responders.
The Department of Health and Human Services has also deployed about 75 personnel to assist with victim identification. So far, only four victims have been positively identified, with their names to be released once their families are notified.
The scale of destruction caused by the wildfire is immense. At least 2,200 buildings have been destroyed or damaged, with 86% of them being residential properties. The Hawaiian Electric Company reported that approximately 2,000 homes and businesses are still without power.
While the fires continue to burn, efforts are being made to contain them. The Lahaina fire, the largest of the three wildfires, is 85% contained, while the Upcountry/Kula fire is 65% contained. The third fire, Pulehu/Kihei, has been fully contained.
Maui natives fear not only the destruction caused by the fire but also being priced out of the island due to developers and wealthy out-of-state buyers. Governor Josh Green stated his intentions to restrict land purchases by out-of-state buyers until the recovery process is complete. Additionally, he announced measures to protect local residents from predatory practices and to keep the land in the hands of the people.
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation. The fire near Lahaina Intermediate School was first reported on the morning of August 8 and initially contained. However, it flared up again later in the day with the help of high winds from Hurricane Dora, catching residents off guard and forcing them to evacuate.
As the search for missing individuals continues and the community begins the long process of rebuilding, the people of Maui are grateful for the assistance and support offered by President Biden and federal agencies. The road to recovery will be challenging, but with unity and determination, Lahaina and the rest of Maui will rise from the ashes.