As severe wildfires are sparked by Hurricane Dora’s effects and a strong ridge of high pressure to the north, numerous evacuations are currently taking place for a number of Hawaiian islands.
On Tuesday, brush fires fueled by wind gusts of more than 70 mph were fought by fire crews on the Big Island and Maui. Additionally, because of safety reasons, aircraft were grounded due to the severe winds.
More than 1,800 acres were consumed and destroyed by one of the bigger fires burning on the northern half of the Big Island. The interim governor of Hawaii issued an emergency proclamation providing aid to the hard-hit counties of Maui and Hawaii.
According to Maui County officials, firefighters continued to put out fires early on Wednesday morning in Upcountry and Lahaina as West Maui’s 911 line was rendered inoperable. Residents of Wahikuli in West Maui were also compelled to leave their homes overnight.
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On Tuesday, when Jayson Duque was leaving his home in Lahaina, a spectacular scene met him: another 1,000 acres of the town were on fire. His video captures a massive smoke plume as flames spread to many homes. There were at least 80 individuals evacuated, and the mayor predicted there will be more.
On Tuesday, when Jayson Duque was leaving his home in Lahaina, a spectacular scene met him: another 1,000 acres of the town were on fire. His video captures a massive smoke plume as flames spread to many homes. There were at least 80 individuals evacuated, and the mayor predicted there will be more.
The amount of the damages is unknown, according to Maui city officials. Although no fatalities have been reported, a firefighter who was responding to a fire in West Maui was hospitalised after becoming overtaken by smoke inhalation. He was believed to be alive at the last check.
After Maui Mayor Richard Bissen declared an emergency, the National Guard came in Maui County on instructions from the Hawaii Department of Defense.
The U.S. Coast Guard sent personnel to affected locations where people had jumped into the water because of smoke and fire. Twelve persons were pulled from the sea by workers stationed at Front Street Beach and Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. According to city officials, those people were taken to secure locations.
While many of the brush fires’ causes are yet unknown, downed power lines and dry brush were being investigated as potential culprits in several of the flames. Wednesday around the state, there were roughly 15,000 consumers without electricity at of last check.
In order to assist people who were displaced, the American Red Cross opened Maui High School as an evacuation centre. Additionally, they are manning the Kihei, Lahaina, and Pukalani emergency shelters.
Due to hazardous campus conditions and wind-related damage, Maui’s schools will continue to be closed to both students and staff, according to district officials.
