On Wednesday, authorities confirmed that at least six individuals have lost their lives in fires engulfing Maui. While there have been reports of injuries, the exact count has not been disclosed by officials.
The firefighting teams persist in their efforts to combat the fires on both Maui and the Big Island. These fires have been further exacerbated by the strong winds originating from Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm.
UPDATE: High Wind & Fire Weather Alerts
High Wind: 30-45 mph winds, gusts up to 60 mph. Secure property, expect outages & difficult travel.
Red Flag: High fire danger with rapid spread. NO outdoor burning.
Stay safe & cautious! #HawaiiWeather pic.twitter.com/Ov3KCjsqtl
— NWSHonolulu (@NWSHonolulu) August 8, 2023
Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people.
The Coast Guard is responding to people who were forced to go into the ocean due to the flames.
Video credit to Alan Dickar, a local resident of Lahaina. pic.twitter.com/8uiyHQP55B
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
In response to the crisis, the Coast Guard has undertaken rescue operations to aid residents who sought refuge in the ocean to evade the advancing flames and smoke.
In the absence of Governor Josh Green, who is currently traveling, Acting Governor Sylvia Luke has taken the initiative to issue an emergency proclamation and activate the Hawaii National Guard.
“911 is down. Cell service is down. Phone service is down,” said Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia. “Our hospital system on Maui, they are overburdened with burn patients, people suffering from inhalation. The reality is that we need to fly people out of Maui to give them burn support because Maui hospital cannot do extensive burn treatment.”
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