The historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui is engulfed in deadly wildfires that have claimed 36 lives and destroyed 270 structures. The blazes have displaced thousands of people.
Lahaina lies on the dry western side of Maui. Strong winds traveling at 60 miles per hour, fanned by the passing Hurricane Dora, acted as fuel to the fires, blocked roads and stopped firefighting efforts.
Brian Schatz, a U.S. senator from the state, said on social media that Lahaina is “almost totally burnt to the ground.”
Maui’s hospital system is overwhelmed with burn patients and people suffering from smoke inhalation.
Several unsuspecting residents jumped into the sea to escape from the raging fire. The U.S. Coast Guard rescued around 14 of them. The National Guard is activated to deal with the multiple fires.
All travel to the island is blocked except for firefighters and search and rescue teams. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. says the fires are not contained yet.