Wildfires Devastate Maui: Historic Town Destroyed, Evacuations Ordered
Multiple wildfires are raging across parts of Maui, Hawaii, causing widespread destruction and forcing residents and tourists to flee for their lives. The fires have already claimed the lives of at least 36 people, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as search and rescue teams continue to comb through charred areas. The historic town of Lahaina has been particularly hard-hit, with numerous homes and businesses destroyed.
The fires, which were fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora passing south of the island, caught many by surprise. The flames quickly spread, forcing adults and children to seek refuge in the ocean. The Coast Guard conducted rescue operations, pulling 14 people out of the water, including two young children who were reunited with their family members.
Officials report that 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed, and dozens of people have been injured. Aerial footage of Lahaina’s Front Street, once a bustling tourist destination, now shows charred and flattened buildings, with cars reduced to blackened husks. The fires are still burning in several areas, including Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry.
President Joe Biden has promised “all available Federal assets” to aid in the wildfire response. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines are providing support and rescue efforts, while the Hawaii National Guard has mobilized helicopters for fire suppression and search and rescue operations. The Transportation Department is working with commercial airlines to evacuate tourists from the island, and the Interior and Agriculture departments are ready to assist with recovery efforts once the fires are contained.
Local officials are bracing for an influx of displaced individuals, with the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu being prepared to accommodate up to 4,000 people. The center will offer shelter not only to tourists but also to locals who have lost their homes and belongings. Kahului Airport, the main airport in Maui, is currently housing 2,000 travelers whose flights were canceled or who recently arrived on the island.
As the fires continue to burn and the search for survivors intensifies, residents and tourists are left to mourn the loss of their homes, belongings, and the historic town of Lahaina. The devastation serves as a reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the need for continued preparedness and mitigation efforts.