Wildfires in Lahaina, Maui kills at least six, destroys buildings, and forces residents to flee. Governor declares state of emergency.
A huge wildfire ravaged the town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. It has killed at least six people and injuring many more.
The fire, which was likely sparked by human activity. It spread rapidly in the windy and dry conditions, reaching the historic center of the town. It is a popular tourist spot with shops and restaurants.
The wildfire destroyed hundreds of buildings, some of which dated back to the 1700s. It also forced some residents to flee into the ocean to avoid the flames and smoke.
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Wildfires Devastate County: Search and Rescue Efforts Underway as Death Toll Climbs
The county mayor, Richard Bissen Jr., said he was still trying to find out how and where the six people died. He said he was in “search and rescue mode” and that the death toll could rise.
Governor Josh Green also said he expected some loss of life as a result of the fire. Many people were hurt by burns or smoke inhalation and taken to hospitals in Maui or Oahu.
A regional director for Hawaii Life Flight said six patients were flown to Oahu on Tuesday night, three of them in critical condition.
A firefighter was also hospitalized with smoke inhalation but was stable.
The fire was worsened by the strong winds from Hurricane Dora, which was passing about 500 miles south of Hawaii but brought gusts of up to 60 mph to the island.
The National Weather Service said the winds made it hard for firefighters to control the fire and carried embers to new areas. The island was also suffering from drought conditions, which made the vegetation more prone to burning.
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