Wildfire Devastates Historic Town in Maui, Hawaii
A wildfire ripped through the heart of the Hawaiian island of Maui, leaving a historic town in ashes and forcing residents to flee to the ocean for safety. The fire, fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, has claimed the lives of at least six people, injured dozens more, and damaged or destroyed 271 structures. Flyovers of the town of Lahaina revealed the extent of the devastation, with homes and businesses flattened and smoking piles of rubble lining the waterfront. Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke described the scene as “apocalyptic” and urged travelers to stay away from the area.
The exact cause of the blaze is still unknown, but experts point to high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation as contributing factors. Climate change is also believed to be increasing the likelihood of more extreme weather events, including wildfires. The wind-driven fire spread quickly through the Lahaina town center, which dates back to the 1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents and tourists were forced to evacuate as the flames engulfed buildings.
Crews are currently battling three fires in Maui, including in Lahaina, the Kihei area, and the mountainous inland communities known as Upcountry. In the upcountry Kula area, at least two homes have already been destroyed. The fires on Hawaii’s Big Island have not resulted in any injuries or lost homes, although a few roof fires were extinguished. Hurricane Dora, passing south of the island chain at a safe distance, contributed to strong winds that knocked out power, rattled homes, and grounded firefighting helicopters.
Rescue operations have been ongoing, with the Coast Guard rescuing 14 people, including two children, who sought refuge in the ocean to escape the fire and smoke. Search and rescue efforts are still underway, and the death toll could rise. Six patients with critical burns have been flown from Maui to Honolulu for treatment. Evacuation shelters have been opened, and Kahului Airport is housing 2,000 stranded travelers. President Joe Biden has ordered federal assistance to aid in response and rescue efforts.
The devastation caused by the wildfire has left many residents with nothing. Losses include not only homes but also personal belongings, artifacts, and years of research materials. The community is rallying together to support those affected, with the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu prepared to house up to 4,000 displaced tourists and locals. The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of the people of Maui is evident as they come together in the face of this tragedy.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-10 02:26:00
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