Wildfires in Hawaii are unlike many of those burning in the US West, forcing thousands to flee into ocean to escape smokes and wall of flames
Fires in Hawaii tend to break out in large grasslands on the dry sides of the islands and are generally much smaller than mainland fires. / Photo: AP Archive
The US Coast Guard responded to areas where people went into the ocean to escape the fire and smoky conditions, the County of Maui said in a statement. The Coast Guard tweeted that a crew rescued 12 people from the water off Lahaina. Fire was widespread in Lahaina, including Front Street, an area of the town popular with tourists, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said in a phone interview early Wednesday. Traffic has been very heavy as people try to evacuate and officials asked people who weren’t in an evacuation area to shelter in place to avoid adding to the traffic, she said.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Maui wildfires: People in Hawaii jump into ocean to escape; historic Lahaina town burningWildfires in Hawaii, fueled by strong winds, have caused extensive damage in areas including historic Lahaina town. Evacuations have been carried out and schools have been closed in several communities. Rescuers have saved a dozen people who were forced to jump into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames. A drone video shows the intense wall of flames in Kihei.
Read more »
Maui wildfires: People in Hawaii jump into ocean to escape; historic Lahaina town burningWildfires in Hawaii, fueled by strong winds, have caused extensive damage in areas including historic Lahaina town. Evacuations have been carried out and schools have been closed in several communities. Rescuers have saved a dozen people who were forced to jump into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames. A drone video shows the intense wall of flames in Kihei.
Read more »
People flee into ocean as wildfire burns buildings in Hawaii's historic Lahaina townWildfires in Hawaii's historic Lahaina town burn buildings and force evacuations as strong winds fan the flames. Multiple roads in Lahaina are closed with a warning to avoid the area.
Read more »
Raging wildfires in Hawaii force people into the oceanWildfires in Maui and the Big Island, caused by dry conditions and heavy winds from Hurricane Dora, have led to mass evacuations and power outages. The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to assist in evacuation efforts and disaster relief. The fires have destroyed hundreds of acres and pose health risks to residents.
Read more »
People in Hawaii flee into ocean to escape wildfires burning popular Maui tourist townWildfires in Hawaii, fueled by strong winds, have burned multiple structures in areas including the historic Lahaina town. This has led to evacuations and school closures. In the midst of the chaos, rescuers have saved a dozen people who sought refuge from the smoke and flames by fleeing into the ocean.
Read more »
People in Hawaii flee into ocean to escape wildfires in Maui tourist townA wildfire in historic Lahaina town in Maui has burned parts of one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Strong gusts caused by Hurricane Dora knocked out power, rattled homes, and grounded firefighting helicopters.
Read more »