36 killed in wildfires in Maui

Deadly wildfires have torn through Maui.

At least 36 people are dead officials said Wednesday. The fires were fuelled partly by strong winds from Hurricane Dora, located about 1625 km southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.

FEMA approved Hawaii’s request for a disaster declaration to assist with the burning wildfires in Kula, Kīhei and Lahaina on Maui.

The fires began early Tuesday, threatening homes, businesses and utilities and over 35,000 people in Kula, Kīhei, and Lahaina. Hundreds of structures have been damaged or destroyed.

Governor Josh Green said, "We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely across Maui and Hawai’i Counties as a result of very strong winds in the region and underlying drought conditions.

Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring. Our entire emergency response team, including the Hawai‘i National Guard has mobilized and is being supported by FEMA.

Let’s all continue to take care of each other during this time. I’m en route back home and will be on Maui tomorrow to assess the damage and see how best my team can continue to support our people in Maui."

U.S. President Joe Biden said, "Jill and I send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the wildfires in Maui. Our prayers are with those whose homes, businesses, and communities are destroyed.

We are grateful to the first responders putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives.

I have ordered all available federal assets on the Islands to help with response.

And I urge all residents to continue to follow evacuation orders, listen to the instructions of first responders and officials, and stay alert."