Catastrophic Hawaii fires kill at least 80 as search efforts continue for hundreds of missing
The typically tranquil island haven has been transformed into a scene resembling a war-torn wasteland. Officials are limiting access to the town as the death toll continues to rise.
Maui residents return to ruins from deadly brush fires
The Maui County government said at least 80 people were killed during the fire disaster but the toll is expected to climb over the next days and weeks.
LAHAINA, Hawaii – The devastating firestorm that ravaged Lahaina has left the road leading to the town forever scarred. The catastrophic aftermath has reduced the town to ashes, and the impact of the disaster will be felt for years to come.
"What we saw today was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history," Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said. "It’s going to take a great deal of time to recover from this."
The typically tranquil island haven has been transformed into a scene resembling a war-torn wasteland. Officials are limiting access to the town as the death toll continues to rise. At least 80 people are now confirmed dead in the fires that swept through the historic tourist destination, according to a press release from Maui County government issued Friday evening.
HAWAII’S BRUSH FIRES RANK AMONGST DEADLIEST WILDFIRES IN RECENT US HISTORY
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 1 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 2 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 3 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 4 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 5 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals.]()
Image 6 of 22Hawaii Governor Josh Green and government officials gathered on Maui to survey wildfire damage and support affected individuals. (Courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawai'i)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a person walking down Front Street past destroyed buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii.]()
Image 7 of 22(PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a person walking down Front Street past destroyed buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii.]()
Image 8 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a person walking down Front Street past destroyed buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a burned hillside above Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 9 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a burned hillside above Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image shows a burned hillside above Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 10 of 22An aerial image shows a burned hillside above Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 11 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 12 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a burned boat in the Lahaina Harbor in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 13 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a burned boat in the Lahaina Harbor in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 14 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed cars in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 15 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed cars in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image shows the historic Banyan tree surrounded by burned cars in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 16 of 22An aerial image shows the historic Banyan tree surrounded by burned cars in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image shows a burned building in the historic Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 17 of 22An aerial image shows a burned building in the historic Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a person walking past a destroyed car in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 18 of 22An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows a person walking past a destroyed car in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial view of Lahaina after wildfires burned through the town on the Hawaiian island of Maui, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 19 of 22An aerial view of Lahaina after wildfires burned through the town on the Hawaiian island of Maui, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial view shows destroyed homes and buildings that burned to the ground around the harbor and Front Street in the historic Lahaina Town in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 20 of 22An aerial view shows destroyed homes and buildings that burned to the ground around the harbor and Front Street in the historic Lahaina Town in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![An aerial view shows the historic Banyan Tree along with destroyed homes, boats, and buildings burned to the ground in the historic Lahaina town in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 21 of 22An aerial view shows the historic Banyan Tree along with destroyed homes, boats, and buildings burned to the ground in the historic Lahaina town in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
![TOPSHOT - An aerial view shows destruction caused by a wildfire in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, on August 10, 2023. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)]()
Image 22 of 22An aerial view shows destruction caused by a wildfire in Lahaina, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, on August 10, 2023. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)
The current number of missing individuals remains uncertain. However, Green estimated that about 1,000 people are yet to be accounted for.
"There will be active recovery over the coming days and weeks of the bones of those who’ve been lost," Green said. "So it will take time to get perspective. It is going to take many years to rebuild Lahaina."
Evacuations were still ongoing Friday as survivors continue to be ushered off the island of Maui.
"As you understand, this is an emergency," said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. "People left without taking anything with them. In most cases, they have no choice."
Cell towers and phone lines were burned up on the west side of Maui, and communication has been tough. Mobile hot spots have been established, but it’s been an agonizing few days for those who have struggled to contact loved ones.
Aerial View of Lahaina on the Coast of Maui before and after.
(Douglas Peebles/Corbis via Getty Images/Richard Olsten/Facebook / FOX Weather)
What triggered the initial flames in Hawaii?
Authorities in Hawaii say it is still too early to determine was caused the initial flames that produced devastation on parts of Maui and the Big Island.
The National Weather Service office and local emergency management received reports of downed power lines on several islands due to wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, but it is unclear if any electrified lines came in contact with dry brush.
As part of the investigation, authorities will examine infrastructure that could spark a fire under dry conditions.
Hawaiian Electric, the local utility provider, has not addressed questions on whether a utility line contributed to any of the fires but did direct FOX Weather to a statement regarding ongoing outages.
"We are all hands on deck in supporting and responding to Maui communities affected by the outages, active wildfires, and sustained high wind damage," Shayna Decker, Hawaiian Electric spokesperson, said in a statement. "Our focus right now is the safety of our communities, customers, and workforce and prioritizing power restoration to areas that our crews can safely access. We continue to actively monitor the fluid wildfire situation and will move our restoration efforts to other areas if and as they become safe and accessible. We appreciate the continued understanding and ask customers to please prepare for possible extended outages as we conduct damage assessments and make extensive repairs."
'TOOK EVERYTHING WITH IT': MAUI RESIDENT RECOUNTS ESCAPE FROM RAGING WILDFIRES
Lahaina residents lose everything from fires on Maui
Lahaina resident Lokalia Farm joins FOX Weather to talk about the complete devastation that the fires caused on her community.
Gusts of up to 85 mph grounded firefighting aircraft and aided in the decimation of some communities on Maui since Tuesday. None of the fires are fully contained, and it is unknown how they started.
The fires were enhanced by dry conditions and fierce winds caused by a pressure change between strong high pressure to the north and Hurricane Dora as it passed hundreds of miles south off the coast, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
HAWAII’S BRUSH FIRES RANK AMONGST DEADLIEST WILDFIRES IN RECENT US HISTORY
Wildfire recovery efforts underway across Maui, Hawaii
Horror and heartbreak in Hawaii as the aftermath of the deadly Maui fires are on full display. The state's governor called it the worst disaster in the state's history. FOX Weather is on top of the latest recovery efforts.
Lahaina's landmark Banyan tree still stands
The fire destroyed more than 1,000 buildings in Lahaina, the governor estimated, and damaged the town’s famous 150-year-old Banyan tree.
The landmark was smoldering but "still standing" Thursday, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said.
According to GoHawaii.com, the Banyan tree was brought from India and planted in front of the Lahaina courthouse and harbor in 1873. It sprawls along the town's Front Street, towering over an entire city block, and reaches an astounding height of more than 60 feet.
"When you see the full extent of the destruction of Lahaina, it will shock you," the governor said. "It does appear like a bomb and fire went off."
As of Friday, six emergency shelters have been open throughout the island. Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui.
The firefighting effort was bolstered by nearly three dozen firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department. A nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on the island early Friday morning.
Visitors wanting to leave Maui are asked to book a flight with an airline. On Thursday, 14,900 visitors left on flights departing Maui, officials said.
AERIAL VIDEO SHOWS COMPLETE DEVASTATION ACROSS PARTS OF MAUI AFTER CATASTROPHIC BRUSH FIRES
Wildfires burn the roof of public library in Hawaii
In this video from Tuesday, August 8, the Lahaina Public Library on the island of Maui is on fire.
Lahaina bar owned by Fleetwood Mac drummer destroyed
The wildfire also burned down a bar owned by Mick Fleetwood, the drummer from Fleetwood Mac, located on the town’s popular Front Street.
"Maui and the Lahaina community have been my home for several decades," Fleetwood said in Facebook post. "This is a devastating moment for Maui, and many are suffering unimaginable loss. Fleetwood’s on Front Street has been lost, and while we are heartbroken, our main priority is the safety of our dear staff and team members."
Fleetwood went on to say he was committed to supporting the community and those affected by the disaster in the days, months and years to come.
Footage by Schatz showed the fire-gutted establishment.
‘We will rebuild’
While the full extent of damage will almost certainly be in the billions of dollars, the damage already done will make the fire one of the most significant events in 2023 and the deadliest since California’s Camp Fire was responsible for the deaths of 88 people in 2018.
The task ahead looks daunting for Maui County, where their mayor promised the island would bounce back from the most significant disaster to strike the islands since Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
"We will rebuild, and we will again support each other," Bissen Jr. said. "This is a time for us to come together. This is a time for us to care for each other in our county."
HAWAII WILDFIRES: HOW TO HELP THOSE IMPACTED ON MAUI, BIG ISLAND
Maui resident recounts escape from raging wildfires
Dustin Johnson, a charter boat crew member, recorded dramatic footage on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, of Lahaina's pier engulfed in smoke from a raging fire approaching Maui, Hawaii.