Calay News
Wildfires, driven by winds from a distant hurricane, have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 36 lives and widespread destruction in the picturesque resort city of Lahaina on Maui Island in Hawaii. Maui County issued a statement late on Wednesday confirming the devastating impact of the fires, which ravaged multiple neighborhoods and left parts of the western side of the island nearly isolated. Only one highway remained open for evacuation purposes as officials reported extensive damage to Lahaina, its harbor, and the surrounding areas.
Residents and tourists faced the horrifying ordeal of escaping into the ocean to flee the encroaching smoke and flames. A resident, Mason Jarvi, described the situation as an “apocalypse,” sharing images of the charred remnants of Lahaina’s waterfront. His own experience included riding through flames on an electric bike to rescue his dog, causing blisters on his thigh.
The fires were exacerbated by winds from Hurricane Dora, located hundreds of miles southwest of the island. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency announced the cancellation of “Red Flag Warning” and “High Wind Advisory” notifications for all Hawaiian islands. Nevertheless, firefighting efforts remained underway in Maui County, emphasizing the commitment to safety and protection after a recent tragic incident on another film set.
The impact of the fires on Maui was likened to a war zone, with smoke-filled skies and block after block of destruction visible in aerial videos. With multiple blazes spreading, western Maui was closed to all except emergency workers and evacuees. Around 271 structures suffered damage or destruction, with the fires also affecting parts of the Big Island of Hawaii. The devastation prompted the evacuation of more than 11,000 travelers, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
As Hawaii confronts this catastrophe, it reflects a broader pattern of extreme weather events occurring worldwide due to human-induced climate change. The White House, led by President Joe Biden, extended condolences and support to the affected community, acknowledging the role of firefighters and coordinating the deployment of federal assets to aid in the response efforts. The cause of the fires remains under investigation, but dry vegetation, strong winds, and low humidity have been identified as contributing factors.
