Wildfires in Hawaii – Situation Coming to a Head – Panorama

In Hawaii, the situation is reversed due to severe brush and forest fires. A district spokeswoman for US news channel CNN said the fire on the island of Maui was “in no way” contained. Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green, spoke of a “terrible disaster” in the vacation paradise. At least six people have died, according to Maui County Mayor Richard Bisson.

The fire spread due to strong winds. Around 2000 visitors were stranded at the local airport. The flames also destroyed homes in the historic center of the island’s Lahaina town. According to officials, emergency calls failed in some parts of the island.

“It’s apocalyptic,” Maui resident Clint Hansen told CNN of the footage: “People are jumping into the ocean to escape the fire.” The Coast Guard confirmed that a dozen people had to be rescued near Lahaina after “entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions.” They were taken to safe places.

Maui Vice Governor Sylvia Luke told CNN that burns and smoke inhalation are difficult because the hospital system is overcrowded: “The reality is that the Maui hospital doesn’t have comprehensive treatment for burns, so people have to be evacuated from Maui.”

According to the Maui District, the fire is burning mainly in the west and inland of the island. Some roads have been cut off due to downed power lines. Emergency shelters have been set up for residents. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, according to the district. His condition is said to be stable.

Unprecedented wildfires caused by hurricanes

According to the county in charge, the largest island in the US state of Hawaii has also been affected by the fire. This is partly due to cyclones DoraPassing south of the US state’s islands, officials said.

“It’s unprecedented to have wildfires in so many areas that were indirectly caused by a hurricane. It’s something Hawaii and the state have never experienced,” said Maui Assistant Governor Luke.

A state of emergency has been declared for two counties, Maui and Hawaii. It will mobilize the Hawaii National Guard to assist responders in affected communities.