Hawaii wildfires: Dozens killed as flames rage across Maui

At least 36 lives lost in resort of Lahaina as passing tornado fans blazes

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  Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP

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  A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP

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  Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP

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  A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP

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  Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP

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  An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA

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  Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP

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  Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters

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  The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP

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  Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP

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  Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP

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  Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP

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  Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP

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  A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo

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  Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP

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  Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP

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  Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP

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  Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP

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  Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP

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  This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP

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  Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP

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  Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters

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  Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters

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  Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters

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  A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters

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  Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters

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  People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Maui officials say wildfire in the historic town has burned parts of one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said in a phone interview early Wednesday says fire was widespread in Lahaina, including Front Street, an area of the town popular with tourists. (Alan Dickar via AP

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  People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters

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  Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters

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  At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters

Wildfires that that have torn across the Hawaiian island of Maui since early on Wednesday have led to at least 36 deaths and thousands fleeing for their lives.

Firefighters were trying to contain the blazes in the tourist hub of West Maui and a mountainous region inland. President Joe Biden pledged federal support for the effort and said he had ordered the military to assist first responders in Hawaii, but weather conditions re hampering the ability to get planes in the air to drop water to quell the fires.

"I have ordered all available federal assets on the islands to help with response," said Mr Biden, after expressing his "deepest condolences" and sending "prayers" to those affected.

The known toll has risen from six to 36 but authorities are yet to have a clear picture of the full extent of loss of life and the damage exacted by the wildfires.

The National Weather Service said the combined forces of a strong high pressure system and winds produced by Hurricane Dora were contributing factors to winds that have also downed power lines, cutting power and making communications very difficult.

Governor Josh Green said: “We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire hat has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions.”

A representative for Maui County said it was not clear how many buildings had been destroyed.

“Much of Lahaina on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” he said.

Mr Green was away on personal travel, AP reported, while acting governor Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation in his absence.

The Governor has been in contact with the White House, and is preparing to request emergency federal assistance sometime in the next two days, his office said in a news release.

“We are closely following the wildfires caused by the strong winds of Hurricane Dora,” Ms Luke said.

“The safety of our residents is paramount, and this emergency proclamation will activate the Hawaii National Guard to support emergency responders in the impacted communities.”

Some residents had also taken to entering the ocean to escape the smoke and fire, Maui County said. They were rescued by the coastguard.

“Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected,” Mr Green said. “Our entire emergency response team, including the Hawaii National Guard has mobilised and is being supported by FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency].”

Fema has approved Hawaii's request to declare a disaster and provide federal support to the island.

In one video shared on social media, the fire can be seen raging through a street in the Lahaina city centre.

Two brush fires were also burning in the northern and southern Kohala districts of Hawaii's Big Island, the state said.

Officials are warning that wind, challenging terrain and a drop in humidity have made it difficult to predict the fires' path.

“The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house,” assistant fire chief Jeff Giesea said on Tuesday.

“Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire.”