On August 8, authorities reported that residents on Maui Island in Hawaii, USA, had to jump into the ocean to escape rapidly spreading wildfires fueled by strong winds. The Coast Guard rescued dozens of people in the town of Lahaina after they leaped into the water to avoid smoke and flames.
Coast Guard Lieutenant Elaine Simon told CBS News that thick black smoke was being blown out to sea.
The wildfires spread across Lahaina, affecting areas including Front Street, a popular tourist destination in the historic town.
Videos on social media showed a wall of flames engulfing Front Street in Lahaina, destroying several businesses.
“Houses on both sides of the street were overtaken by fire. There were no fire trucks at that time. I think the fire department was overwhelmed,” said Alan Dickar, a business owner on Front Street.
“Maui cannot cope with this. Many people have lost their jobs due to numerous businesses being burned down. Many have lost their homes. This will be devastating for Maui,” Dickar added.
Fire engulfs a street on Maui Island. (Photo: TMX).
The wildfires spread rapidly due to strong winds, destroying many structures, forcing residents to evacuate and causing power outages in some neighborhoods. Firefighters struggled to reach certain areas cut off by fallen trees and power lines. Some individuals reported difficulties evacuating due to congestion, smoke, and the encroaching flames.
The National Weather Service reported that Hurricane Dora sweeping south of the island chain was causing gusts of wind up to 80 miles per hour, leading to power outages as night fell, shaking homes, and hampering firefighting efforts, with helicopters unable to take off.
Hawaii Island is dealing with unprecedented wildfires. (Photo: CNN).
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke has declared a state of emergency and mobilized the Hawaii National Guard.
Hospitals on Maui are overwhelmed with burn and smoke inhalation patients, Luke told CNN. She noted that caring for those injured in the wildfires is challenging due to numerous transportation obstacles.
“We have contacted other hospital systems to alleviate the burden. The reality is we need to evacuate people from Maui because Maui hospitals cannot treat many burn patients. Besides dealing with this disaster, we are also managing significant traffic issues,” she stated.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke mentioned that 911 services have ceased, and mobile and landline phone services are also down. Authorities have been unable to contact residents in the west. Satellite phones have become the only reliable means of communication for some, including those in hotels.
Luke emphasized that this wildfire event on Maui is occurring on an “unprecedented” scale.
