Ferocious wildfires in Hawaii fueled by strong winds and very dry conditions have burned over 1,800 acres across Maui and the Big Island, burning down structures and prompting multiple evacuations.
In this image obtained from the County of Maui in Hawaii, shows a wildfire in Lahaina, on Aug. 9, 2023. Hawaii wildfires fanned by winds from Hurricane Dora forced evacuations late on Aug. 8.Officials say they expect "loss of life" as ferocious wildfires, whipped by strong winds and very dry conditions, are wreaking havoc in Hawaii, prompting evacuations, rescues and school closures and prompting an emergency proclamation from the acting governor.
The proclamation was issued for Hawaii's Maui and Hawaii counties on Tuesday by acting Gov. Sylvia Luke. On Wednesday, the emergency proclamation was extended to all counties and non-essential air travel to Maui is now being discouraged. All affected state agencies have also been ordered to assist with the evacuation.
"We are closely following the wildfires caused by the strong winds of Hurricane Dora," Luke said. "The safety of our residents is paramount, and this emergency proclamation will activate the Hawaii National Guard to support emergency responders in the impacted communities." People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina, Maui, on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2023.There have been no confirmed fatalities as of Wednesday morning, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Communication is spotty on the island and 911 is down in areas of West Maui, according to the state's EMA.
"Multiple structures have burned and multiple evacuations are in place, as firefighter crews continue battling brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas," officials said in a statement, "In West Maui, fire crews from Napili, Lahaina, Kihei and Wailuku responded to the fast-moving fire, which was fueled by strong winds as Hurricane Dora passed well south of Hawaii.
An Alaska Airlines flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Maui has been delayed for hours and twice allowed passengers off the plane after being told about the conditions on the island.
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