In the latest update from the County of Maui, Hawaii, three active fires – Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry – have maintained their intensity, leaving residents and authorities on high alert. The Lahaina fire has taken a heartbreaking toll, with the number of fatalities increasing to 36. Detailed information about the victims is currently unavailable.
Despite efforts by the Maui Fire Department (MFD), the fires show no significant signs of containment, and no new evacuations have been ordered at this time. Containment figures have not been released, and a comprehensive assessment is planned for Thursday morning to gauge the extent of the damage.
Firefighters have been tirelessly battling numerous flare-ups, prompting the request for additional personnel from Honolulu to bolster the firefighting efforts. Furthermore, thirty dedicated US Army service members have joined the search and recovery operations, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
In light of the ongoing emergency, three shelters – Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, War Memorial gymnasium in Wailuku, and Maui High School gymnasium in Kahului – are currently providing refuge for displaced individuals. The American Red Cross has reported a total of 942 people seeking shelter as of 10 p.m.
Previously, Maui had witnessed approximately 2,100 individuals seeking refuge in shelters on Tuesday night, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
For visitors affected by the disaster, a mass evacuation from Sheraton Maui Resort in Ka’anapali concluded late Wednesday, with plans for bus evacuations to resume on Thursday from a Lahaina location, details of which are yet to be announced.
As firefighting operations persist, access to Lahaina remains restricted. Motorists already situated in West Maui are permitted to exit via Ma’alaea and Waihe’e. Meanwhile, only Kahakuloa residents are allowed entry into the area via Waihe’e.
The County of Maui is grappling with these multiple fires, and the resilience of local responders, coupled with the support of additional resources, demonstrates the unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property in the face of this devastating situation.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
