Hawaii wildfires live updates: At least six people dead as Maui and Big Island evacuated

At least six people have died in wildfires raging on the Hawaiian island of Maui, officials said on Thursday.

Other people are still unaccounted for while hospitals on Maui treat burn and smoke inhalation victims. Search and rescue teams are struggling to reach parts of Maui cut off by three out-of-control blazes.

Wildfires whipped up by strong winds from Hurricane Dora have destroyed homes, knocked out 911 and cell services, and forced some residents to flee into the ocean. More than 2,100 people were housed across four emergency shelters on Wednesday evening, state officials said.

Key Points

• ‘911 is down. Cell service is down. Phone service is down'

• VIDEO: Roadside devastated as Hurricane Dora and wildfire tears through island

• Residents ‘entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions'

• People are jumping into the ocean to escape Hawaii wildfires on Maui

WATCH: Passenger plane lands in Maui surrounded by orange flames

10:10 , Rachel Sharp

A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii

09:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii late Wednesday, 9 August 2023. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island, destroying parts of a centuries-old town in one of the deadliest US wildfires in recent years. (AP Photo/Ty O'Neil)

Before and after satellite images show scale of ferocious Hawaii wildfires

09:35 , Ariana Baio

Hawaii governor says 1,000 people still missing

09:15 , Rachel Sharp

Around 1,000 people are still missing in the wildfires which have ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green revealed on Thursday evening that hundreds are still unaccounted for, as he warned that the Aloha State is headed for its deadliest disaster in state history.

Those unaccounted for are not presumed dead, he said, but have been left without communications and so their safety is unclear.

“Here’s the challenge: there’s no power, no internet, no phone, no radio. You compound some of that. So when we’re speaking to our officers, we need them to get a sat phone,” he said.

“There’s around 1,000 missing. It doesn’t mean that many have passed - I’m not saying that at all - but because we can’t contact them we can’t know.”

The governor admitted that “we don’t know” the true death toll.

Death toll climbs to 55

08:54 , Rachel Sharp

The death toll from the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii, has now climbed to 55 – as officials warned that the loss of life is expected to rise further.

On Wednesday, Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry fire departments said that 36 people had died as a result of the fires.

Another 17 fatalities were confirmed at around midday on Thursday, taking the toll to 53 victims.

By Thursday night, another two people had been found dead taking the death toll to 55, Maui County confirmed.

The identity of the victims remains unknown.

Maui wildfires map: Where are the Hawaii fires?

08:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Thousands of residents in Hawaii have been racing to escape their homes as deadly wildfires swept across the island of Maui, killing at least 53 people in one of the worst US wildfires in recent years.

Read the full piece here:

Maui wildfires map: Where are the Hawaii fires?

Search for bodies continues as officials call for patience

08:07 , Holly Evans

Authorities in Maui are still trying to locate and identify people who died in Lahaina when a wildfire raced through the historic town.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen told a news conference: “People whose homes are not damaged 0 you can come home as soon as we have recovered those who have perished. Please allow us to complete this process.”

Meanwhile Maui Police Chief John Pelletier asked for patience, prayers and perseverance, adding that his officers are trained to catch “bad guys” and not to pull bodies from buildings.

Search and rescue teams from California and Washington state, which are trained in disaster skills including using dogs to find human remains, have been deployed to Maui to assist with the process, officials said.

How did the Hawaii wildfires start?

08:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Wildfires have sparked a frenzy of questions about how disasters, like this, can be prevented in the future.

Here’s everything we know about how the Hawaii wildfires started:

How did the Hawaii wildfires start?

Lahaina survivors say they didn’t hear Hawaii’s famous warning sirens

07:47 , Holly Evans

Maui residents who made desperate escapes from flames, some on foot, have asked why Hawaii’s famous emergency warning system didn’t alert them as fires raced toward their homes, in interviews at evacuation centers onThursday.Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that the warning sirens were triggered before a devastating wildfire killed at least 53 people and wiped out a historic town, officials confirmed.

There are around 400 sirens positioned around the islands, with Hawaii boasting the largest integrated outdoor all-hazard public safety warning system in the world.

Many of Lahaina’s survivors however said they didn’t hear any sirens and only realised they were in danger when they saw the flames. Thomas Leonard, a 70-year-old retired mailman from Lahaina, didn’t know about the fire until he smelled smoke. As power and mobile phone services had gone out, he was left with no real-time information about the danger.

He tried to leave in his Jeep, but had to abandon the vehicle and run to the shore when cars nearby began exploding. He hid behind a sea wall for hours, the wind blowing hot ash and cinders over him.Firefighters eventually arrived and escorted Leonard and other survivors through the flames to safety.

Maui wildfires map: Where are the Hawaii fires?

07:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Thousands of residents in Hawaii have been racing to escape their homes as deadly wildfires swept across the island of Maui, killing at least 53 people in one of the worst US wildfires in recent years.

US senator Brian Schatz said the historic town of Lahaina, which dates back to the 1700s, is almost totally burnt to the ground, with the blaze leaving behind smoking piles of rubble where historic buildings stood.

“This is a deeply sombre day,” Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. “The gravity of losing any life is tragic. As we grieve with their families, we offer prayers for comfort in this inconsolable time.”

Where are the current wildfires in Hawaii? Read here:

Maui wildfires map: Where are the Hawaii fires?

Rainbow appears over Maui on Thursday morning

07:00 , Ariana Baio

Hurricane Dora is fuelling Hawaii wildfires. Here’s how

06:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The wildfires in Hawaii damaging buildings and leading to evacuations are spurred on by heavy winds coming from Hurricane Dora off the islands’ coast.

The storm was moving west across the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles south of Hawaii on Wednesday.

To the west of Maui, residents scarpered into the ocean to avoid the fires and smoke. County officials said they were rescued by the US Coast Guard.

Winds reached up to 45 miles an hour, with gusts of up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The agency told residents on social media to secure their property and to prepare for lost power and travel disruptions.

Hurricane Dora is fuelling Hawaii wildfires. Here’s how

Burned out cars sit after a wildfire raged through Lahaina, Hawaii

06:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

United Airlines only operating flights out of Maui to assist in evacuations

06:00 , Ariana Baio

United Airlines said they have removed inbound flights to Kahului Airport to assist in evacuating visitors as the island battles wildfires.

The airlines said in a statement that they are monitoring the situation in Hawaii “closely” and “emphasising safety” of their employees in Maui, according to NBC News.

“We’ve canceled today’s inbound flights to Kahului Airport so our planes can fly empty to Maui and be used as passenger flights back to the mainland,” United said.

The airline is also offering refunds to passengers who want to cancel their flights.

Hawaii fires: Lahaina’s 150-year-old banyan tree hit by wildfire

05:41 , Maroosha Muzaffar

For generations, the banyan tree along Lahaina town’s historic Front Street served as a gathering place, its leafy branches unfurling majestically to give shade from the Hawaiian sun. By most accounts, the sprawling tree was the heart of the oceanside community — towering more than 60 feet (18 meters) and anchored by multiple trunks that span nearly an acre.

Like the town itself, its very survival is now in question, its limbs scorched by a devastating fire that has wiped away generations of history.

For 150 years, the colossal tree-shaded community events, including art fairs. It shaded townsfolk and tourists alike from the Hawaiian sun, befitting for a place once called “Lele,” the Hawaiian word for “relentless sun.”

Ring by ring, the tree has captured history.

Lahaina’s beloved 150-year-old banyan tree hit by wildfire

Hawaii wildfires are 'like apocalypse', says local who was burnt driving through blaze

05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Collin Morikawa has roots in Lahaina. He’s pledging $1,000 per birdie for Hawaii fires relief

05:19 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Collin Morikawa is pledging $1,000 for every birdie he makes the next three PGA Tour events to help with relief for the deadly wildfires in Hawaii. For him, it’s personal.

His grandparents were born in Lahaina, the historic town on Maui where Front Street and all its restaurants and shops have been obliterated by the wind-swept fires that have claimed at least 36 lives. He still has relatives on Maui, though most have moved to Oahu.

“I think they’re all right, but just to hear ... woke up this morning, just checking the news, and to see how many people have passed away from that, yeah. I’m at a loss for words,” Morikawa said.

Morikawa, who won the PGA Championship and the British Open within two years after graduating from California-Berkeley, began his bid Thursday with six birdies in his opening round of 65 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

He posted his plans on Instagram on Thursday morning, and by the end of the day had decided to send the money raised to Maui United Way and World Central Kitchen to help survivors on Maui and elsewhere in Hawaii.

Collin Morikawa pledges $1,000 per birdie for Hawaii fires relief

Additional shelters open in Maui

05:00 , Ariana Baio

ICYMI: Maui locals flee into ocean to escape wildfire

04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

WATCH: Biden announces major disaster in Hawaii

04:00 , Ariana Baio

Recap: More than 11,000 people evacuated from Maui

03:00 , Ariana Baio

As a wildfire ravages through Maui, more than 11,000 travellers have been evacuated, the Hawaii Department of Transportation said according to Reuters.

Despite the fires, airports were open and airlines were dropping airfare to help get people off the island, Ed Sniffen said.

Aerial footage shows historic town of Lahaina destroyed by blaze

02:30 , Ariana Baio

ICYMI: President Biden issues major disaster declaration as wildfires burn in Hawaii

01:50 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden declared the wildfire disaster in Hawaii to be a major disaster, allowing for the state to use federal funding in recovery efforts.

On Thursday, Mr Biden issued the declaration after 36 people died and thousands of others were evacuated as a result of the raging wildfires that burned through several areas of Maui, Hawaii and Ohau.

Ariana Baio reports:

President Biden issues major disaster declaration as wildfires burn in Hawaii

Oahu remains open to tourists, Hawaii tourism official confirms

01:20 , Ariana Baio

Oahu is still open to tourists, a Hawaii tourism official has said as travellers rush to leave amidst devastating wildfires in western Maui.

“It is west Maui that is devastated. What travellers are doing now that we’re understanding is they are changing their vacation plans. They’re going to Oahu. They’re going to Hawaii Island,” James Kunane Tokioka, the state’s business, economic development and tourism director, told CNN.

“We have shared with our hotel partners to make sure that we give them the best rates available. We’re trying to accommodate people. Some people have saved their whole life to come to Hawaii and it would be a shame if they had to go straight back to their homes on the mainland,” he added.

Meanwhile, more than 11,000 travellers were evacuated from Maui, Ed Sniffen of the Hawaii Department of Transportation said late on Wednesday.

Hawaii officials say 53 people have died in fires

01:05 , Abe Asher

Maui County officials on Thursday evening said that at least 53 people have died in the Lahaina fires as the death toll from the emergency continues to increase.

In addition to the 53 people who have lost their lives in the fire, dozens more are injured and recieving care while many others have lost their homes or are separated from loved ones. More than 1,000 structures have been burned in the flames.

There has not any appreciable change in the status of the fires on Thursday evening, and Gov Josh Green told the Associated Press that the death toll is expected to continue to rise in the coming days as search and rescue efforts continue.

How did the Hawaii wildfires start?

00:45 , Ariana Baio

August is part of Hawaii’s typical dry season when parts of the island experience abnormal to severe droughts.

Since the beginning of August, most of Maui has been under an “abnormally dry” level of drought, according to the US Drought Monitor.

But beginning on Tuesday, 8 August, a portion of Maui escalated to a “severe drought” level making the area more susceptible to wildfires.

Ariana Baio reports:

How did the Hawaii wildfires start?

WATCH: Local who was burnt driving through blaze says wildfires are ‘like apocalypse’

00:00 , Ariana Baio

Flags at half-staff in Hononlulu

23:20 , Ariana Baio

Hawaii’s state capital, Honolulu will fly flags at half-staff to honor the lives lost in the wildfires, governor Josh Green ordered.

At least 36 people were killed and dozens of others injured in the ragging wildfires that tore through multiple islands this past week.

Where are the Hawaii fires?

22:45 , Ariana Baio

Voices: I saw houses being washed away in Alaska. Stop the victim blaming

22:00 , Ariana Baio

“In Maui, hurricane-fueled fires have resulted in dozens of deaths, people missing, and communities decimated. We should avoid shaming and guilt-tripping people about their choices regarding where they live.”

Summer Koester writes:

I saw houses being washed away in Alaska. Stop the victim blaming

Hawaiian Airlines offering $19 flights from Maui to Honolulu

21:30 , Ariana Baio

In assisting evacuation efforts, Hawaiian Airlines said it would offer seats on a flight from Maui to Honolulu for $19 on Friday.

The airline wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that they were adding additional flights to help bring people out of Maui.

“Seats remain available today through Friday for $19 to facilitate urgent travel from Maui to Honolulu,” Hawaiian Airlines wrote.

Unclear how much of Maui has been burned

21:10 , Ariana Baio

Hawaii officials gathered on Thursday to begin assessing the damage and death toll in Maui after wildfires raged through the islands this past week.

Lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke said it was unclear how much has been lost in areas beyond the town of Lahaina, which was hit hard, according to The New York Times.

Maui resident describes sudden evacuation after wildfire spread

20:45 , Ariana Baio

A resident of Maui, Hawaii described the hasty evacuation he made after uncontrollable wildfires spread on Tuesday evening.

In an interview with CNN, Jeff Melichar said he was out on a walk on Tuesday when he saw the fire “rapidly approaching” his neighbourhood.

"We had to run back through the neighborhood because we were getting overwhelmed with smoke and embers,” Mr Melichar said.

Residents did not have much time to gather their belongings due to the fire, which was spreading quickly because of strong winds.

“We ran back to the house and had another 10 or 15 minutes before we knew we were going to be overtaken. And at that point, we had to just jump in the car.”

He added: "It was rather traumatic."

How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires

20:19 , Ariana Baio

Thousands of Hawaii citizens have been displaced following wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lahaina in Maui.

Multiple neighbourhoods were burned as the fires were fueled by heavy winds blowing from Hurricane Dora, resulting in many being told to evacuate, with some Hawaii residents taking refuge in the ocean to avoid the flames. As of 10 August, at least 36 people have died and 11,000 have been evacuated as a result of the wildfires.

Brittany Miller reports:

How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires

New aerial images show destruction of Lahaina

19:55 , Ariana Baio

Aerial images taken above the historic town of Lahaina on Maui, Hawaii show the aftermath of the wildfires that burned throughout the town.

Buildings, grass and trees were covered in black soot and ash on Thursday morning – showing how destructive the fires were.

President Biden offers ‘prayers’ and ‘assets’ to Hawaii

19:30 , Ariana Baio

In remarks given on Thursday, President Joe Biden said he had spoken with Hawaii governor Josh Green where he offered all available resources to the state.

Mr Biden said he had a “long” conversation with Mr Green to ensure Hawaii had all federal and state resources it needed in recovery.

“We offer our prayers, not just our prayers but every asset we have will be available,” Mr Biden said.

The President has also ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to “streamline” all requests.

Mr Biden appointed Maona Ngwira to coordinate federal recovery operations.

Wildfires in Hawaii could be the state’s worst natural disaster in decades

19:00 , Ariana Baio

Wildfires raging out of control in Hawaii have claimed at least 36 lives, caused large numbers of burn and smoke inhalation injuries, knocked out 911 and cell services, forced residents to escape into the ocean, and destroyed hundreds of homes, officials say.

Bevan Hurley reports:

Hawaii wildfires could be state’s worst natural disaster in decades

President Biden issues ‘major disaster’ declaration for Hawaii

18:45 , Ariana Baio

President Joe Biden declared the wildfire disaster in Hawaii to be a major disaster on Thursday, allowing for federal funding to become available to the state.

The funding can now be used for individuals to repair their homes or seek loans and for business owners to recover from the disaster.

“Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County,” the handout says.

Federal coordinating officer of FEMA Maona Ngwira has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Average area burned in Hawaii has increased 400 per cent in last century

18:20 , Ariana Baio

Though the islands of Hawaii are no stranger to some wildfires, the number of fires has increased exponentially over the past century due to human activity and an increase in invasive, flammable grasses, according to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO).

“Nonnative grasslands and shrublands now cover nearly one quarter of Hawaii’s total land area and, together with a warming, drying climate and year round fire season, greatly increase the incidence of larger fires,” the HWMO wrote in a factsheet.

The HWMO estimates the average number of area burned per year in Hawaii has increased 400 per cent over the past century.

How to help the people of Maui

18:00 , Ariana Baio

Wildfires in Maui, Hawaii have devastated over 270 structures and many resident’s homes.

As firefighters work to contain the fires and conduct recovery efforts, people are being asked to donate to the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF) to assist in the costly recovery.

The fund, called the Maui Strong Fund, was created to provide resources for disaster preparedness, response and recovery. It is currently being used to support the communities affected by the wildfires.

“HCF will prioritize nonprofit organizations that are supporting community-based rapid response and recovery efforts. Funding will support evolving needs, including shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services as identified by our partners doing critical work on Maui,” a description of the fund reads.

To donate to the Hawai’i Community Fund and support Maui, click here.

Maui Fire Department issues safety protocols during cleanup

17:45 , Ariana Baio

The Maui Fire Department posted a safety guide for residents of Hawaii to follow as they clean up the debris left behind from the devastating wildfires.

Tips include wearing a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, long pants, a long shirt and steel-toed boots to protect parts of the body.

They also suggested wearing an N95 face mask or a respirator that provides more protection to prevent smoke and debris inhalation.

“Stay hydrated and avoid working in the hottest part of the day,” the Maui Fire Department wrote.

Most of Maui experiencing abnormal to severe levels of drought

17:19 , Ariana Baio

Nearly all of Maui is in a level one or level two drought intensity, according to the US Drought Monitor.

Approximately 16 per cent of the island was in “severe drought” making the area most susceptible to wildfires due to the dry vegetation.

This is an increase from the 5 per cent of Maui that experienced severe levels of drought last week.

What is causing the fires?

17:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The wildfires were whipped up by Hurricane Dora, a category 4 storm passing about 500 miles (804 kms) south of the Pacific Ocean archipelago, and a strong high pressure system to the north, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

“These strong winds coupled with low humidity levels are producing dangerous fire weather conditions that will last through Wednesday afternoon,” the NWS said.

The climate crisis has created warmer, dryer conditions that are increasing the risk and extent of wildfires across the western United States, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Conditions.

Wildfires have wrought havoc for years across the North American continent, especially in the US Southwest and Canada. But blazes of this magnitude have rarely, if ever, been seen in Hawaii.

Barack Obama issues statement on Maui wildfires

16:40 , Ariana Baio

Over 14K customers without power

16:21 , Ariana Baio

Approximately 14,500 customers are without power in Maui, as of early Wednesday morning.

Hawaiian Electricity, the company that provides 95 per cent of Hawaii it’s power, asked customers in West Maui and Upcountry for “patience” as the wildfires rage on.

The company said customers should “plan for extended outages.”

The climate crisis will irrevocably change how we holiday: Here’s what the future of travel looks like

16:00 , Ariana Baio

Thousands of visitors in Hawaii are being forced to evacuate after raging wildfires took over parts of Maui.

Unprecedented extreme weather will soon become a norm according to climate scientists, what does this mean for the future of travel?

Benjamin Parker reports:

All change: The climate crisis will irrevocably alter how we holiday

Thousands without cellphone service

15:40 , Ariana Baio

Due to the unprecedented fires in Maui knocking out cellphone service, thousands of people were unable to contact emergency services or loved ones.

Lieutenant governor of Hawaii, Sylvia Luke, told ABC that residents were unable to contact emergency services or loved ones due to the lack of phone service.

On Twitter, people visiting the island described the terrifying experience being without service and power while trying to evacuate.

United Airlines will only operating flights out of Maui to assist in evacuations

15:20 , Ariana Baio

United Airlines said they have removed inbound flights to Kahului Airport to assist in evacuating visitors as the island battles wildfires.

The airlines said in a statement that they are monitoring the situation in Hawaii “closely” and “emphasising safety” of their employees in Maui, according to NBC News.

“We’ve canceled today’s inbound flights to Kahului Airport so our planes can fly empty to Maui and be used as passenger flights back to the mainland,” United said.

The airline is also offering refunds to passengers who want to cancel their flights.