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<p>At least 36 people have lost their lives in the wildfires that tore through the Hawaiian island of Maui, after starting on Tuesday (August 8), informed county officials. The wind-fuelled wildfires have forced the authorities to evacuate over 11,000 from the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The western community town of Lahaina is possibly the worst-affected area as the authorities struggle to contain the fire. Officials said 271 structures had been damaged or destroyed while dozens remained missing. According to Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke, "The road to recovery will be long."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire. No other details are available at this time,” the Wednesday night release said.</p>

<p>Such has been the destruction trail that residents are embarking upon harrowing escapes using boats or cars. Some are even diving into the Pacific Ocean as the fast-moving wildfire engulfs their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-deadly-wildfires-wreak-havoc-on-hawaiis-maui-island-624130" target="_blank"><strong>In pics: Deadly wildfires wreak havoc on Hawaii's Maui island&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Hurricane Dora exacerbates wildfires&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The fire in the region has been fanned by winds from Hurricane Dora passing hundreds of miles to the south.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Major General Kenneth Hara, who is leading the military response to douse the fire, said firefighters have used more than 150,000 gallons of water so far. Helicopters have been deployed but they are facing difficulties as winds with speeds up to 85 mph make their work challenging.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Essential services like electricity and cell tower were down as the fires continued to rage, fanned by strong winds from a nearby hurricane in the Pacific Ocean. Over 12,000 people across Hawaii are currently without power, according to PowerOutage.Us.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden ordered all federal assets in Hawaii&nbsp;to be mobilised to fight the extreme conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have ordered all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response," Biden said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-in-2023-the-role-of-climate-change-wion-climate-tracker-621335"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Wildfires in 2023 &amp; the role of climate change | WION Climate Tracker</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, former president Barack Obama took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to show solidarity with the victims of the wildfire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down,” Obama wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, although the exact cause of the wildfire is not known yet, extreme heat caused by global warming could be one of the potential reasons.</p>

<p>Scientists had&nbsp;declared July as the hottest month ever recorded, with continents of Asia, Europe and North America - all battling the ferocious heat. According to experts, human-induced climate change has greatly exacerbated the global warming effect, leading to sky-high temperatures. Consequently, wildfires such as the one in Maui have become a common occurrence across the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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At least 36 people have lost their lives in the wildfires that tore through the Hawaiian island of Maui, after starting on Tuesday (August 8), informed county officials.

At least 36 people have lost their lives in the wildfires that tore through the Hawaiian island of Maui, after starting on Tuesday (August 8), informed county officials. The wind-fuelled wildfires have forced the authorities to evacuate over 11,000 from the area. The western community town of Lahaina is possibly the worst-affected area as the authorities struggle to contain the fire. Officials said 271 structures had been damaged or destroyed while dozens remained missing. According to Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke, "The road to recovery will be long." “As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire. No other details are available at this time,” the Wednesday night release said. Such has been the destruction trail that residents are embarking upon harrowing escapes using boats or cars. Some are even diving into the Pacific Ocean as the fast-moving wildfire engulfs their homes. In pics: Deadly wildfires wreak havoc on Hawaii's Maui island Hurricane Dora exacerbates wildfires The fire in the region has been fanned by winds from Hurricane Dora passing hundreds of miles to the south. Major General Kenneth Hara, who is leading the military response to douse the fire, said firefighters have used more than 150,000 gallons of water so far. Helicopters have been deployed but they are facing difficulties as winds with speeds up to 85 mph make their work challenging. Essential services like electricity and cell tower were down as the fires continued to rage, fanned by strong winds from a nearby hurricane in the Pacific Ocean. Over 12,000 people across Hawaii are currently without power, according to PowerOutage.Us. US President Joe Biden ordered all federal assets in Hawaii to be mobilised to fight the extreme conditions. "I have ordered all available Federal assets on the Islands to help with response," Biden said in a statement. Watch | Wildfires in 2023 & the role of climate change | WION Climate Tracker × Meanwhile, former president Barack Obama took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to show solidarity with the victims of the wildfire. “Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down,” Obama wrote on X. According to experts, although the exact cause of the wildfire is not known yet, extreme heat caused by global warming could be one of the potential reasons. Scientists had declared July as the hottest month ever recorded, with continents of Asia, Europe and North America - all battling the ferocious heat. According to experts, human-induced climate change has greatly exacerbated the global warming effect, leading to sky-high temperatures. Consequently, wildfires such as the one in Maui have become a common occurrence across the planet. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Maui: At least 36 killed in devastating wildfires on Hawaiian island

<p>A wildfire is burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has been further fuelled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US-based media outlets reported on Wednesday (August 9) that people on the island had to jump into the ocean on Tuesday to escape flames and smoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Coast Guard told CBS News that a dozen people have been rescued in the town of Lahaina. Coast Guard Lt. Elaine Simon told the outlet that the wind was blowing thick black smoke towards the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-more-than-50-injured-in-factory-explosion-near-moscow-623904">More than 50 injured in factory explosion near Moscow</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>A helicopter and boat were also deployed by the coast guard to rescue several people from the water after they jumped into the ocean in an attempt&nbsp;to flee from the flames and smoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a telephonic interview with the Associated Press on Wednesday, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said that the wildfire was widespread in Lahaina, including Front Street — an area of the historic town and popular tourist attraction.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Front Street, Lahaina on Maui, a popular tourist destination, currently suffering from effects of the fires. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawaii?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawaii</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/maui?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#maui</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MauiFires?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MauiFires</a><br />
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<a href="https://t.co/NqkGiywrgI">pic.twitter.com/NqkGiywrgI</a></p>
— Johnny (@tallyman2023) <a href="https://twitter.com/tallyman2023/status/1689272013427548160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people.<br />
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The Coast Guard is responding to people who were forced to go into the ocean due to the flames.<br />
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Video credit to Alan Dickar, a local resident of Lahaina. <a href="https://t.co/8uiyHQP55B">pic.twitter.com/8uiyHQP55B</a></p>
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_Stormwatch/status/1689193105487257600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what it looked like earlier on Maui. If you've been to my hometown of Lahaina...I fear it is no longer. I dread what it will look like in the morning. An apocalyptic scene is unfolding due to the fires raging across my island. Please pray for us. <a href="https://t.co/88V2kjjpyV">pic.twitter.com/88V2kjjpyV</a></p>
— HawaiiDelilah™ 🟦 (@HawaiiDelilah) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawaiiDelilah/status/1689241362011660288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to a report by CBS Honolulu affiliate KGMB-TV, the "videos on social media showed a wall of flames descending on Front Street in Lahaina and destroying a number of businesses".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hawaiian Electric Company said that thousands of its customers were currently without power Wednesday morning. Poweroutage.us stated that as of 1:20am (7:20 am ET), nearly 20% of the county (14,114 customers) was without power.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-nine-dead-two-missing-after-holiday-lodging-fire-623863">France: At least nine dead in fire at holiday home for disabled people</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Hawaii's Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNN that the state is facing severe challenges to fight the flames. Luke said, "When we deal with hurricanes and disasters following hurricanes, we're usually dealing with heavy rain, we're dealing with flooding."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Luke added, "The fact that we have wildfires in multiple areas as a result of indirectly from a hurricane is unprecedented; it's something that Hawaii residents and the state have not experienced."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A wildfire is burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has been further fuelled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora. US-based media outlets reported on Wednesday (August 9) that people on the island had to jump into the ocean on Tuesday to escape flames and smoke.

A wildfire is burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has been further fuelled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora. US-based media outlets reported on Wednesday (August 9) that people on the island had to jump into the ocean on Tuesday to escape flames and smoke. The Coast Guard told CBS News that a dozen people have been rescued in the town of Lahaina. Coast Guard Lt. Elaine Simon told the outlet that the wind was blowing thick black smoke towards the water. Also read: More than 50 injured in factory explosion near Moscow A helicopter and boat were also deployed by the coast guard to rescue several people from the water after they jumped into the ocean in an attempt to flee from the flames and smoke. In a telephonic interview with the Associated Press on Wednesday, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said that the wildfire was widespread in Lahaina, including Front Street — an area of the historic town and popular tourist attraction. This is Front Street, Lahaina on Maui, a popular tourist destination, currently suffering from effects of the fires. #Hawaii #maui #MauiFires pic.twitter.com/NqkGiywrgI — Johnny (@tallyman2023) August 9, 2023 × Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people. The Coast Guard is responding to people who were forced to go into the ocean due to the flames. Video credit to Alan Dickar, a local resident of Lahaina. pic.twitter.com/8uiyHQP55B — Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023 × This is what it looked like earlier on Maui. If you've been to my hometown of Lahaina...I fear it is no longer. I dread what it will look like in the morning. An apocalyptic scene is unfolding due to the fires raging across my island. Please pray for us. pic.twitter.com/88V2kjjpyV — HawaiiDelilah™ 🟦 (@HawaiiDelilah) August 9, 2023 × According to a report by CBS Honolulu affiliate KGMB-TV, the "videos on social media showed a wall of flames descending on Front Street in Lahaina and destroying a number of businesses". Hawaiian Electric Company said that thousands of its customers were currently without power Wednesday morning. Poweroutage.us stated that as of 1:20am (7:20 am ET), nearly 20% of the county (14,114 customers) was without power. Also read: France: At least nine dead in fire at holiday home for disabled people Hawaii's Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNN that the state is facing severe challenges to fight the flames. Luke said, "When we deal with hurricanes and disasters following hurricanes, we're usually dealing with heavy rain, we're dealing with flooding." Luke added, "The fact that we have wildfires in multiple areas as a result of indirectly from a hurricane is unprecedented; it's something that Hawaii residents and the state have not experienced." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maui wildfire: People jump into ocean to escape flames and smoke - VIDEO

<p>Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches.</p>

<p>Although most of the evacuees were later allowed to return home, the blaze more than tripled in size to spread over about 9,000 acres (3,642 hectares), scorching mostly former sugarcane fields and brush.</p>

<p>"I am declaring our Valley Isle a disaster area for the purpose of implementing the emergency management functions as allowed by law," Governor David Ige said in a statement.</p>

<p>The fire in Maui, sometimes called the Valley Isle, had been 60 per cent contained by sunset but officials warned that even though the shelters were shut, they might need to reopen if more evacuations were ordered.</p>

<p>Authorities had also managed to contain about 35 per cent of a second, smaller fire across roughly 200 acres (81 hectares), that had broken out north of the first near Kahului, forcing some voluntary evacuations.</p>

<p>The major blaze began in the island's central valley on Thursday, with its flames stoked by steady winds of up to 20 miles per hour (30 kph), officials said.</p>

<p>Thousands of residents and visitors in the communities of Maalaea and Kihei fled as a precaution, while firefighters struggling to quell the blaze drafted in helicopters to drop water on the flames.</p>

<p>There were no reports of injuries or damage to buildings, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser said. The cause of the fire is being investigated.</p>

<p>On Twitter, the governor thanked media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns a property on Maui, after she opened a private road on Thursday to assist officials tackling the fire.</p>


Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches.

Hawaii's governor on Friday declared an emergency on the island of Maui, where firefighters were battling a blaze that forced the evacuations of thousands of people and sent huge clouds of smoke billowing over nearby beaches. Although most of the evacuees were later allowed to return home, the blaze more than tripled in size to spread over about 9,000 acres (3,642 hectares), scorching mostly former sugarcane fields and brush. "I am declaring our Valley Isle a disaster area for the purpose of implementing the emergency management functions as allowed by law," Governor David Ige said in a statement. The fire in Maui, sometimes called the Valley Isle, had been 60 per cent contained by sunset but officials warned that even though the shelters were shut, they might need to reopen if more evacuations were ordered. Authorities had also managed to contain about 35 per cent of a second, smaller fire across roughly 200 acres (81 hectares), that had broken out north of the first near Kahului, forcing some voluntary evacuations. The major blaze began in the island's central valley on Thursday, with its flames stoked by steady winds of up to 20 miles per hour (30 kph), officials said. Thousands of residents and visitors in the communities of Maalaea and Kihei fled as a precaution, while firefighters struggling to quell the blaze drafted in helicopters to drop water on the flames. There were no reports of injuries or damage to buildings, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser said. The cause of the fire is being investigated. On Twitter, the governor thanked media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who owns a property on Maui, after she opened a private road on Thursday to assist officials tackling the fire.

Hawaii governor declares emergency for Maui wildfires

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Maui: At least 36 killed in devastating wildfires on Hawaiian island

Maui wildfire: People jump into ocean to escape flames and smoke - VIDEO

Hawaii governor declares emergency for Maui wildfires