All eyes have been on the island of Maui since wildfires broke out, leaving it and the Big Island — also known as Hawaii Island — and its people devastated earlier this week. Aerial views of the town of Lahaina show flames and dust, the aftermath of what some call the most destructive wildfires Hawaii has ever seen. New reports say the death toll has risen to 36, but that may not be the final count. The identities of those who died have not yet been released to the public.
The Hawaii wildfires blazed because of various factors, including dry conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which likely increased the flames’ intensity. CBS News reported the storm was considered a Category 4 hurricane with wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. The fires have displaced thousands of residents and visitors who wonder if life will ever be the same.
How did the fires start?
According to officials, the exact cause of what started the fires is unknown, the New York Times reported. Though some believe dry conditions on the island and the omnipresence of grasslands contributed, Professor Clay Trauernicht at the University of Hawaii told the newspaper the results were surprising.
“We have known there was the potential for this,” he said, referring to devastated homes in Lahaina, “but I still don’t think any of us could have imagined how destructive and devastating this fire became.”
Lahaina may be completely destroyed.
Go Visit Hawaii shared a heartbreaking message about the much-loved town of Lahaina. What was once a bustling area with locals and tourists is now ashes.
“We are so very sad to be sharing this tragic news from Maui. Wildfires and high winds have mixed to create a nightmare situation in several areas across the island of Maui,” an update on the site reads.
“Fire and smoke rapidly spread in beloved and historic Lahaina Town. There were reports that people had to jump in the ocean to escape the fire. Much of the town is feared to be destroyed,” the update adds.
Because of the devastation, the Hawaiian government has set up emergency shelters for those displaced by the fire.
The County of Maui posted information about emergency shelters on its Facebook page, as social media has been among the fastest ways to share information.
“The tragedy that hits one of us is felt by all of us. These past few days, the resolve of our families, businesses, and visitors have been tested like never before in our lifetime,” Mayor Richard Bisson shared Thursday in a video statement on Facebook. “With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time.”
Thousands of tourists are trying to get off the island.
More than 14,000 people were without power in Hawaii early Wednesday, according to Euronews.green. This has affected residents and businesses and has interrupted cellphone service across the islands. At least 4,000 tourists were trying to leave Maui on Tuesday, Ed Sniffen of the Hawaii Department of Transportation told the news outlet. Despite road closures, the Maui airport was fully functioning, and airlines offered discounted fares to help people escape the blazes.
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The island will take years to recover from the devastating fires.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Lahaina was “decimated,” according to the Washington Post. She called the fires a “tragic moment for the entire state” and said rebuilding will take years.
President Joe Biden issued the following statement:
“Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui, and our prayers are with those who have seen their homes, businesses, and communities destroyed. We are grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders who continue to run toward danger, putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.”
He went on to announce he has ordered federal assets to help with firefighting and recovery of survivors. Biden also assured everyone the Department of Transportation is working with commercial airlines in an effort to evacuate tourists.
KHON reported that the historic town of Lahaina is the most damaged.
“Maui County officials add more than 270 structures, including an iconic 120-year-old building on Front Street, have been either damaged or destroyed; much of the destruction has been in the historic town of Lahaina,” the new outlet noted.
KOHN posted a link to several GoFundMe pages created to help victims of the devastating fires.
“The GoFundMe community is coming together to help people who are raising money to support community relief efforts. Donate to verified Maui wildfires relief fundraisers today to help people rebuild and recover. Our Trust & Safety team will continue to update this page with more fundraisers as they are verified,” a statement on the site reads.
