Federal, state, local governments mobilize following Maui wildfire that killed at least 55

The nation is mobilizing to aid Lahaina, Hawaii and its surrounding communities in the wake of devastating wildfire that has claimed the lives of at least 55 people on the island of Maui. With little notice, residents were forced to flee for their lives Tuesday when wind-driven flames raced across the dry landscape. Some found refuge in the ocean, according to reports.

“This is a tragic day for everyone in Hawai‘i and the nation. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the survivors suffering through the deadliest natural disaster the state has seen in generations,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green Wednesday in a statement. “In the coming days—as more and more details emerge—I ask that we as a state provide all the emotional and financial support we can to the people of Lahaina and Maui.”

A video filmed from a plane by Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke shows a large swath of scorched land where buildings once stood in the historic neighborhood of Lahaina. Locally, an emergency procolmation was issued Tuesday. A state of emergency Wednesday was declared by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, and Biden issued a federal major disaster declaration Thursday.

“Hundreds of families have been displaced, dozens of businesses have burned, 100s of homes burned, and 36 people have died so far. Many pets have also died,” reads an update posted Thursday to Maui’s official website. “Winds have finally died down, allowing for helicopters to assist in controlling the fires. Kahului Airport (OGG) is still open and has sheltered over 1,800 people.”

Mass evacuations via bus were ongoing as of the post, with more than 11,000 people already having left. Lahaina had a population of 12,702 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. According to the site, Lahaina Harbor is “gone,” and most of Front Street and Lahaina Town burned. A well-known, historic banyan tree was scorched and scarred, but is still standing.

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