Maui residents had little warning before flames overtook town; at least 55 people died
Stunned residents are slowly returning to what's left of a historic Maui town that was destroyed by this week's wildfires. The fires on the island have killed at least 55 people.Incinerated cars crushed by downed telephone poles. Charred elevator shafts standing as testaments to the burned down apartment buildings they once served. Pools filled with charcoal colored water. Trampolines and children's scooters mangled by the extreme heat.
But many survivors said in interviews that they didn't hear any sirens or receive a warning that gave them enough time to prepare and only realized they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. Gov. Josh Green warned that the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. He also said Lahaina residents would be allowed to return Friday to check on their property and that people will be able to get out, too, to get water and access other services. People would be allowed into West Maui starting at noon, and authorities set a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday.
The most serious one swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left it a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered.Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage their family's keepsakes from the ashes of their home.
"This may limit the population's ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events," the plan noted. Lana Vierra is eager to return to Lahaina even though she knows the home she raised five children in is no longer there.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Video shows Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree smoldering but 'still standing' in Lahaina, MauiThe landmark 150-year-old banyan tree was 'just about the only thing left' after Lahaina town was devastated by a deadly fire, US Senator Brian Schatz said.
Read more »
Video shows Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree smoldering but 'still standing' in Lahaina, MauiThe landmark 150-year-old banyan tree was 'just about the only thing left' after Lahaina town was devastated by a deadly fire, US Senator Brian Schatz said. FOX13
Read more »
Hawaii fire: Aurora family stranded on Maui amid Lahaina fireA family from west suburban Aurora is stranded on Maui as the Lahaina fire continues to rage.
Read more »
Wildfire devastates Lahaina, historic Maui city and onetime capital of former kingdom of HawaiiThe city was once the royal residence of King Kamehameha III, who unified Hawaii under a single kingdom. Kings and queens are buried in the graveyard of the 200-year-old stone Wainee Church.
Read more »
Hawaii fires: At least 53 dead in fires Maui wildfires, county reports; Lahaina decimatedScorched earth and destroyed homes are seen in the aftermath of deadly wildfires in Hawaii. 💔 At least 36 people have died from the wildfires on Maui and much of the historic town of Lahaina has been 'destroyed,' officials say.
Read more »
Map, satellite images show where Hawaii fires burned throughout Lahaina, MauiSide-by-side images of Lahaina, taken before the blaze and on Wednesday, showed the once lush area badly burned, with the harbor and building rooftops along the shoreline appearing visibly charred.
Read more »