Death toll from Maui wildfires rises to 67 as survivors begin returning home to assess damage

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The number of deaths from the wildfires in Maui escalated to 67 on Friday, with officials reporting an additional 12 lives lost. These fires have transformed large parts of an ancient town into a nightmarish scene filled with ash and debris.

According to an online statement by Maui County authorities, firefighters are still trying to control the fire, which remains not completely contained. Simultaneously, Lahaina’s residents are being permitted to return home for the first time to inspect the destruction.

Journalists from Big Big News were present on the scene and observed almost complete devastation on Front Street, which serves as the center of the Maui community and the island’s economic core. They described scenes with buildings reduced to rubble, roosters wandering among the ashes, and an unsettling display of burned vehicles that failed to escape the blaze.

Descriptions of the destruction include cars set ablaze and crushed by fallen telephone poles, blackened elevator shafts bearing witness to consumed apartment complexes, and recreational items like trampolines and children’s scooters twisted and damaged by the intense heat.

The wildfires have been recognized as the deadliest natural catastrophe in Hawaii for decades, exceeding a 1960 tsunami’s death toll and prompting discussions around the efficacy of the state’s emergency warning system. Many survivors expressed that they received no warning or preparation time, realizing the imminent threat only upon seeing flames or hearing explosions.

Communication systems appeared to have failed, as no sirens were sounded. Alerts were sent via mobile phones and other media, but power and cellular failures possibly restricted their effectiveness.

Governor Josh Green has cautioned that the death count may continue to rise and detailed plans for the residents to return safely to their properties. A curfew has also been implemented to manage the situation.

Driven by dry weather and strong hurricane winds, at least three fires broke out on Maui, causing significant destruction. Images of charred landscapes and ruined infrastructure continue to paint a grim picture of the situation.

The fire is anticipated to rank as the second most expensive disaster in Hawaii’s history, with personal stories of loss emerging as people begin to take stock of the damage. Some individuals are coming to terms with their losses, emphasizing the value of safety over material possessions.

Efforts to search for deceased victims are underway, with dogs being used to locate remains. This wildfire is now the deadliest in the U.S. since California’s 2018 Camp Fire.

Lahaina’s risk for wildfires has been previously documented, and some reports highlight potential challenges in the population’s ability to respond to such events due to language barriers and limited access to vehicles.

The firefighting response may also have been limited by staffing constraints, as the existing crews were responsible for three islands and lacked off-road vehicles for combating brush fires.

Local residents, such as Lana Vierra, are anxious to return and rebuild, despite the painful loss of homes and personal mementos. The emotional toll is evident, but there is also a determination to move forward.

Contributors to the reporting include Big Big News writers from different locations, and the coverage on climate and environmental issues is supported by private foundations, maintaining the AP’s responsibility for all content.

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• Hawaii Wildfires Live Updates
• Hawaii’s History of Natural Disasters
• Maui County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Karen Clark & Company’s Disaster Calculations
• AP’s Climate Initiative
• Hawaii News Now
• FEMA Assistance for Maui Wildfires