LOGIN

Wildfires Claim Six Lives on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, Says Official

by Chloe Baker
7 comments
fokus keyword Wildfire

Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version of the text:

Last Wednesday, Maui was violently struck by a wildfire that raced through its heart with astonishing force and velocity. Dozens of houses and businesses in a famed tourist town were obliterated, resulting in at least six fatalities and injuries to a minimum of 24 people. The terror of the flames forced the locals to seek refuge in the ocean.

Lahaina Town was severely afflicted, including Front Street, a favored spot for shopping and dining, according to the County of Maui’s spokesperson Mahina Martin.

Images shared overnight by the county depicted an intense fire crossing intersections and soaring above buildings in a historic town center that can be traced back to the 1700s. It is also part of the National Register of Historic Places. The devastation was apparent in aerial footage taken the following day, showing entire blocks reduced to rubble.

The county sent out an urgent tweet warning people to stay away from Lahaina Town before sealing off all roads, except for emergency staff. More than 2,100 individuals were hosted in evacuation facilities.

In two key areas of Maui, multiple fires were being combated: the tourist spot of West Maui and an inland mountain region. West Maui experienced an interruption of 911 services, and residents were asked to contact the police directly.

Hurricane Dora, positioned safely 500 miles south of the island chain, was partly responsible for 60 mph winds that caused power outages, shook homes, and temporarily grounded firefighting helicopters.

Fourteen individuals, including two children, were rescued by the Coast Guard from the ocean as they sought to escape the flames.

Six deaths were confirmed by County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. during a press conference. Six individuals with injuries, three of them critically burned, were transferred to different hospitals on Tuesday evening.

A firefighter was hospitalized but in stable condition after inhaling smoke. Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke proclaimed an emergency, mobilizing the Hawaii National Guard for assistance.

Over 1,000 evacuees were accommodated in four shelters, the largest housing more than 1,000 people, and authorities were in the process of preparing additional facilities for displaced individuals.

Alan Dickar, a gallery owner, shared his devastation over the loss of his property. He believes a colossal effort is required to rebuild Lahaina, home to around 13,000 people.

Fires were not confined to Maui. On Hawaii’s Big Island, firefighters were dealing with three fires but reported no injuries or significant damage to homes.

Challenging conditions on Maui, including wind gusts and obstacles like fallen trees, made the firefighting efforts more difficult. Approximately 14,500 customers were without power early on Wednesday.

The Kula region of Maui saw a fire destroying at least two homes and forcing 80 people to evacuate 40 residences.

Mayor Mitch Roth downplayed the damage on the Big Island, reporting “minimal damage.”

In contrast to many mainland U.S. fires, Hawaiian fires usually occur in expansive grasslands on the dry parts of the islands and are typically smaller. However, they can still cause extensive environmental damage.

Oahu was also dealing with the effects of power outages, fallen power lines, and traffic issues.

The community of Lahaina, predominantly seen as a tourist destination, has a robust Hawaiian population, and the devastation of the fire has left the community reeling.

This report was contributed to by Sinco Kelleher from Honolulu and New York-based writer Beatrice Dupuy from Big Big News. It was later corrected to state that Bissen is the mayor of the County of Maui, not Lahaina Town.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Maui Wildfires

What areas were primarily affected by the wildfires in Maui?

The wildfires primarily affected the tourist town of Lahaina, including the popular Front Street, and also hit other parts of West Maui and inland mountainous regions.

How many people were killed and injured in the Maui wildfires?

Six people were killed, and at least 24 others were injured in the wildfires that ravaged parts of Maui.

What caused the strong winds that affected firefighting efforts?

The strong winds, gusting above 60 mph, were partly attributed to Hurricane Dora, which was passing to the south of the Hawaiian island chain.

Were there other wildfires in Hawaii at the same time?

Yes, there were additional wildfires on Hawaii’s Big Island, but no injuries or significant damage to homes were reported there.

What actions were taken by the government in response to the wildfires?

Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation, activating the Hawaii National Guard to assist in response efforts. Evacuation centers were established, and authorities prepared additional facilities for displaced individuals.

How have the wildfires affected the local economy and environment?

The wildfires destroyed homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in a historic tourist town, causing significant economic loss. The environmental damage could include soil erosion affecting coral reefs, as environmental ecosystems in Hawaii have evolved without fire.

Were there any emergency services that helped people during the wildfires?

Yes, emergency services including the Coast Guard were actively involved. The Coast Guard rescued 14 people, including two children, who had fled into the ocean to escape the fire. Various evacuation centers were also set up to shelter displaced residents and tourists.

How has power and communication been affected on Maui due to the wildfires?

The wildfires, along with the strong winds, caused power outages to about 14,500 customers and knocked down 30 power poles. There were also disruptions in 911 service in West Maui, forcing residents to contact the police department directly.

More about fokus keyword Maui Wildfires

You may also like

7 comments

TimothyJames August 10, 2023 - 11:44 am

i’ve got family in Maui, trying to reach them but phones are down. This article is scary. Thank you, first responders, for everything your doing!

Reply
Jenny Smith August 10, 2023 - 4:36 pm

This is so heartbreakin… I was just there on vacation last month. Lahaina is such a beautiful place. Praying for everyone there!

Reply
Mike_Ocean78 August 10, 2023 - 4:38 pm

can’t believe how fast this fire spread! What’s happening with our weather? The hurricanes, now the fires? Stay safe Hawaii!

Reply
KarenP August 10, 2023 - 8:35 pm

those poor people having to jump into the ocean to escape the fire. It’s like something out of a movie, but its real. I’m just heartbroken.

Reply
SarahK August 10, 2023 - 9:40 pm

Where were the warnings? seems like people were caught off guard. So many lost everything, just horrifying…

Reply
IslandLover101 August 11, 2023 - 5:13 am

Maui’s my favorite place in the world. This news is devastating! Hope they get the support they need to rebuild. Front Street won’t be the same. 🙁

Reply
Dave_1992 August 11, 2023 - 6:14 am

didn’t expect to see something like this happen in Hawaii. Fires, really? Hope everyone is okay and they get it under control soon.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News