Wildfires Devastate Hawaii's Lahaina Town, Claiming Six Lives and Causing Injuries
At least six people are killed in a wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, which destroys structures and causes residents to flee. The governor has declared a state of emergency.
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On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, a massive wildfire scorched the town of Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii, killing at least six people and wounding many more.
The fire, which was most likely started by human activity, spread quickly in the windy and dry circumstances, eventually reaching the town's historic center, which is a popular tourist destination with stores and restaurants.
Hundreds of buildings, some dating back to the 1700s, were destroyed by wildfire. Some residents were also forced to flee into the ocean to escape the flames and smoke.
Richard Bissen Jr., the county mayor, said he was still trying to figure out how and where the six people died. He stated that he was in "search and rescue mode" and that the death toll could grow further.
Governor Josh Green also stated that he expected some casualties as a result of the fire. Many persons were injured by burns or smoke inhalation and were transferred to Maui or Oahu hospitals.
Six patients were evacuated to Oahu on Tuesday night, according to the regional director of Hawaii Life Flight, with three of them in severe condition.
A firefighter was also hospitalized for smoke inhalation, though he was in stable condition.
The fire was exacerbated by Hurricane Dora's powerful winds, which passed about 500 miles south of Hawaii yet delivered gusts of up to 60 mph on the island.
According to the National Weather Service, the high winds made it difficult for firefighters to control the fire and spread embers to new regions. The island was also experiencing dryness, which rendered the flora more prone to fire.
In the previous century, the average area burned by wildfires in Hawaii has increased by 400%, owing in part to climate change and the introduction of non-native grasses that supply fuel for fires.
The fire displaced almost 2,100 individuals, who sought refuge in evacuation centers or at Kahului Airport, where 2,000 stranded travelers were sheltered after their flights were canceled or delayed.
The Coast Guard rescued 14 persons who had escaped into the sea rather than face the fire and smoke.
Some people characterized the situation as "apocalyptic," and stated they had to evacuate their elderly relatives.
On Wednesday, Acting Governor Sylvia Luke, who was in charge while Governor Green was away, declared a state of emergency for Maui County, authorizing several actions such as activating the National Guard, spending state funds for relief efforts, and coordinating with federal agencies.
The governor also asked President Biden for help, and he promised to activate "all available federal assets" to assist Hawaii in its recovery from the fires.
This week, Maui was not the only island affected by flames. Three fires were also raging on Hawaii's Big Island, but no one was killed or injured, and no homes were destroyed.
As of Wednesday, Mayor Mitch Roth said one fire was "pretty much under control" and another was 60 percent suppressed.
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