At least six people have died in fires in Maui, officials said Wednesday. Some injuries have been reported, but officials did not provide a number
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
What to know about the wildfires:
- At least six people have died in fires in Maui, officials said Wednesday. Some injuries have been reported, but officials did not provide a number.
- Crews continue to battle fires in Maui and the Big Island, which have been fanned in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm.
- The Coast Guard on Tuesday rescued 14 people including two children, who went into the ocean to escape the blazes and smoke.
- Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
Also read: Anthony Joshua Fight Canceled After 'Adverse' Findings From Dillian Whyte Drugs Test
The Kula Fire has not been contained on Maui, but officials are hopeful that the situation will improve now that firefighters can deploy water overhead.
“I think a big thing that was hampering us yesterday is because of the high winds, we were not able to get helicopters in the air," Mayor Richard T. Bissen said. "It was not safe for them to do water drops. Apparently as of this morning that situation has improved.”
Almost 100 firefighters have been working in shifts, including 11 who work for the state airport firefighting and rescue teams. Maui first responders were also offered assets from other local and federal partners.
The military has provided Blackhawk helicopters and a Chinook helicopter in addition to aircraft from the Hawaii National Guard, according to Major General Kenneth Hara, speaking on behalf of the Department of Defense.
Also read: 2 Men File Complaints Against Montreal Police After An Allegedly Violent Jaywalking Arrest In NDG
Maui officials say that it's "impossible" at this point to quantify the structural damage from the deadly fires.
"Our main focus right now is to save lives and preserve lives," Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said.
FEMA will assist with property assessments, Luke said.
Also read: 11 Hurt When School Bus Carrying YMCA Campers Crashes In Idaho
At least six people have died in the wildfires, and search-and-rescue efforts continue, Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said.
Bissen said he's unsure of how that number might change as authorities continue to battle the flames.
"There were a lot of people putting things out on social media; we have not had a chance to yet to confirm any of that," he said. "We are still in that phase of gathering information."
More than 2,100 people have been housed in shelters.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said no fatalities had been confirmed in his county.
Several burn patients from Maui were being treated at Straub Medical Center, the hospital said in a statement. The facility has the only specialized burn unit in Hawaii.
The Honolulu Emergency Services Department transported one woman in her 60s from Maui to the burn center, agency spokesperson Shayne Enright said. The woman was in critical condition.
The department has also received reports of multiple patients being flown from Maui to Honolulu, she said.
Maui's water department is asking consumers across the island to conserve water to reduce demand and extend existing supplies.
"The Department of Water Supply urges all residents and visitors to please be mindful of their water use and especially reduce outdoor water use," it said in a statement. "The Water Department is working diligently to ensure our resources are used as efficiently as possible and we need the community to do their part."
Customers are asked to not wash cars, sidewalks or driveways, or irrigate lawns until further notice.
Also read: Seychelles' New Environmental Levy Has No Impact On Arrivals, Says Tourism Minister
Green said Wednesday he anticipates there will be casualties as a result of the wind-fueled wildfires scorching the islands.
“Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected,” he said in a statement.
Green called the severe weather a “terrible disaster,” noting the wildfires have “spread widely” because of Dora's winds and the region already had underlying drought conditions.
“Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” he said.
Green said he anticipates submitting a request for a presidential disaster declaration in the next 36 to 48 hours once the damage extent is assessed.
He had been on personal travel until Aug. 15 but will return to the islands Wednesday night to respond to the crisis.