We can’t fully evade disasters. We can only reduce the risk and mitigate its effects. While some disasters are almost insignificant, others bring about mass destruction. The wildfires that broke out in Maui belong to the latter category. Over 106 people have been confirmed dead in the blaze that destroyed most of the historic port town of Lahaina in Maui on Aug. 8, but hundreds more remain missing. This article highlights what to know about the incident.
How did the fires start?
The cause of the wildfires remains under investigation. According to a timeline provided by Maui County, a three-acre brush fire was first reported near Lahaina Intermediate School just after 6:30 a.m. local time on August 8. About two hours later, the fire was declared 100% contained.
Around 3:30 p.m., the fire, which had been reported as fully contained, flared up and exploded, thanks to Dora’s 60 mph winds. None of the emergency sirens on the island were activated as the fire spread, and with power cut off, Lahaina residents said they received no text alerts.
Emergency action
In response to the fire outbreaks, more than 400 FEMA have already deployed to the island, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in an address. Aside from the FEMA, another 273 National Guard soldiers have gone to the affected island to rescue victims.
According to the governor, at least 27% of the burn area has been canvassed by search and rescue personnel with 20 cadaver dogs. Many of the residents who were firefighters and served as first-line responders lost their properties and homes in a bid to help others.
Victims of the fire
According to Maui County officials, just five of the victims have been positively identified. The officials added that only two of the families have been notified, so only those two names have been made public. Both were Lahaina men in their seventies.
Another 13 DNA profiles have been obtained from victims, police said, and 41 DNA profiles have been obtained from family members of the missing. Along with the 106 bodies already recovered, it was estimated that about 850 people are still missing.
Helping the victims
According to the governor, about 500 hotel rooms have been made available, with 331 displaced residents already staying in those rooms. The government also set up an Airbnb program with 1,000 available rooms that will be covered by FEMA for use by both evacuees and first responders.
The Department of Health and Human Services has also deployed about 75 personnel, along with a victim identification team. The government seeks to provide a lasting solution for the victims. However, the plan to provide stable housing will take a long time.
How much of the island burned
According to Maui officials, the three wildfires have burned an estimated 4.45 square miles. Two of the three fires are still burning, with dozens of firefighters working by ground and air to build containment lines and monitor for hot spots and flare-ups.
The Lahaina fire, by far the largest of the three at 3.39 square miles, was 85% contained Tuesday. The Upcountry/Kula fire, which burned just over a square mile, was 65% contained. It has destroyed 19 homes, including the home of Sweetheart Mori in Kula.