12 Aug 2023 | 08:20 AM UTC
US: Emergency crews continuing response to wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, as of late Aug. 11 /update 4
Emergency crews continuing response to wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, US, as of late Aug. 11; casualties and damage reported.
Event
Emergency crews are continuing their efforts to contain several wildfires burning across Maui as of late Aug. 11. Multiple fires broke out across Hawaii Aug. 8, fanned by strong winds associated with the passing of Hurricane Dora to the south of Hawaii.
As of late Aug. 11, authorities are tackling three main areas of wildfires. They report that the Lahaina blaze is 85 percent contained, the Pulehu/Kihei blaze is 80 percent under control, and the fire in upcountry Maui is 50 percent contained. Officials have ordered the evacuation of Kaanapali, and have closed the only public road in and out of Lahaina. At least 80 people are known to have died in the wildfires; the death toll will likely increase as rescue and recovery efforts progress. As of Aug. 11, officials have issued an unsafe water advisory notice for the Lahaina and Kula areas.
The wildfires on Maui continue to threaten homes and cause disruptions. Authorities have not provided any fire containment dates; further wildfire growth is possible in the coming hours and days as emergency crews attempt to prevent re-ignition of fires. Officials in Hawaii issued an emergency proclamation relating to wildfires in Maui and Hawaii counties Aug. 8, while federal authorities declared a major disaster for Hawaii Aug. 9.
The fire in and near Lahaina has caused widespread devastation in the area, injuring dozens, with others requiring treatment for smoke inhalation. Downed communication lines are hampering location efforts. The blaze has destroyed around 1,700 structures, including most of the historic town of Lahaina. Emergency shelters for displaced residents are located at the War Memorial gym in Wailuku, Maui High School gym in Kahului, and Maui Preparatory Academy. Officials also housed around 1,800 people at Kahului Airport (OGG). Due to the emergency situation, authorities are advising visitors to leave the area and against nonessential travel to Maui. Authorities are restricting access to the area due to the ongoing firefighting operations. Power and telecommunication service outages are ongoing in most of Maui.
Another fire of note in Maui is in the Kula area of Upcountry Maui. The fire broke out near Olinda Road early Aug. 8 and has grown to around 400 hectares (1,000 acres). Authorities have issued evacuation orders for Auli'i Drive, Hanamu Road, Kula 200, Pi'iholo Road, Olinda Road, Kulalani Drive, Kulalani Circle, Holopuni Road, and Pulehu Road. Crews have established evacuation centers at Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, Kingʻs Cathedral Maui in Kahului, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani. Several roads in the area are closed. Electricity supply issues at pumping stations caused by fire and wind damage have cut the water supply in parts of the Kula area.
Transport
Although Maui's Kahului Airport (OGG) remains open, the facility is experiencing numerous flight delays and cancellations. Moreover, OGG is operating as a shelter for persons fleeing the fire. State authorities are urging the public to avoid all nonessential travel to Maui until further notice.
The wildfires are causing transport disruptions in the affected areas. Parts of Honoapi'ilani, Kahekili, and Leialii highways and several other local roads are closed. The status of nearby routes will likely change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close roads within the wildfire complexes and evacuated communities due to fire activity and the requirements of response operations. Once the fires are under control, the return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.
Advice
Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours may cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.
Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
