HONOLULU (KHON2) – Maui County officials continue recovery efforts in Lahaina after the devastating fires that destroyed a large part of the town.
UPDATE: 8/12/23
Maui County confirmed the death toll from Maui fires climbed to 93. According to the Maui Police Department, only two people have been actually identified. Their names are being withheld until police notify families.
Green brought the latest update in a press conference on Saturday and stated, “It’s going to continue to rise, we want to brace people for that.”
After observations from the U.S. Fire Administration, they confirmed the Maui fires stand as the deadliest fire in America in the last ten years.
According to the administration, the fire was grass-fed — moving at a very fast pace.
“It outpaced anything the firefighters could have done.”
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administration
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen restated that entrance into downtown Lahaina remains restricted. The area is considered hazardous and will reopen when experts deem it safe to do so.
On Saturday evening, Maui County confirmed that the Pulehu/Kīhei fire was declared 100% contained however crews are continuing to extinguish flare-ups in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires.
What else is happening on Maui:
UPDATE: 8/11/23
Maui officials confirmed Friday night the number of confirmed fatalities stood at 80.
A total of 1,418 people have been sheltered at emergency evacuation sites across Maui.
Three fires remain burning in the Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry Maui areas.
Maui County provided the following update on firefighting efforts at 3 p.m.:
- Lahaina fire 85% contained
- Pulehu/Kihei fire 80% contained
- Upcountry Maui fire 50% contained
UPDATE: 8/10/23
As of Thursday morning, Maui officials said that the Lahaina fire was mostly contained.
“These past few days the resolve of our families, businesses and visitors have been tested like never before in our lifetime. With lives lost and properties dissemated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen
Maui County officials said more than 270 structures, including an iconic 120-year-old building on Front Street, have been either damaged or destroyed; much of the destruction has been in the historic town of Lahaina.
State officials are urging the public to avoid traveling to the affected areas in an effort to reserve resources for those most in need of them.
FEMA said they are bringing in cadaver dogs to supplement recovery efforts. However, it will take time for a final total of fatalities.
Those wanting to assist by donating to shelters, may do so at War Memorial. It will be open for drop-offs Wednesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Among the items being accepted are: non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blankets. Officials are asking that donations not be dropped off at fire stations.
GoFundMe has created a list of verified fundraisers for those looking to provide monetary support online. Click here, to donate to victims’ on Maui.
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