BREAKING: Maui officials say a wildfire in historic Lahaina town has burned parts of one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Rescuers pulled a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean.
, which was passing to the south of the island chain at a safe distance of 500 miles , was partly to blame for gusts above 60 mph that knocked out power as night fell, rattled homes and grounded firefighting helicopters. Dangerous fire conditions created by strong winds and low humidity were expected to last through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said.
Officials were not aware of any deaths and knew of only one injury, a firefighter who was in stable condition at a hospital after experiencing smoke inhalation, Martin said There’s no count available for the number of structures affected by the fires or the number of people affected by evacuations, but Martin said there are four shelters open, with more than 1,000 people at the largest.
Fire crews on Maui were battling multiple blazes concentrated in two areas: the popular tourist destination of West Maui and an inland, mountainous region. In west Maui 911 service was not available and residents were directed to call the police department. Winds were recorded at 80 mph in inland Maui and one fire that was believed to be contained earlier Tuesday flared up hours later with the big winds, she added.
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.
People in Hawaii flee into ocean to escape wildfires burning popular Maui tourist townWildfires in Hawaii, fueled by strong winds, have burned multiple structures in areas including the historic Lahaina town. This has led to evacuations and school closures. In the midst of the chaos, rescuers have saved a dozen people who sought refuge from the smoke and flames by fleeing into the ocean.
Read more »
Wildfire burning one of Hawaii's most popular tourist areas as people flee: Maui officialsWildfires in Hawaii have caused extensive damage to the historic Lahaina town, a popular tourist area. The fire has spread to Front Street, a well-known spot among tourists, leading to evacuations and school closures.
Read more »
Wildfire burning one of Hawaii's most popular tourist areas as people flee: Maui officialsWildfires in Hawaii fanned by strong winds burned multiple structures, forcing evacuations and closing schools in several communities Wednesday, and rescuers pulled a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean.
Read more »
Wildfire burning one of Hawaii's most popular tourist areas as people flee: Maui officialsWildfires in Hawaii fanned by strong winds burned multiple structures, forcing evacuations and closing schools in several communities Wednesday, and rescuers pulled a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean.
Read more »
People Jump into Ocean to Escape Wildfires Fueled by Hurricane DoraEvacuations are taking place in Hawaii's Big Island and Maui as wildfires, fueled by Hurricane Dora, cause damage and prompt people to jump into the ocean for safety. Twelve people were rescued near Lahaina after entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions. Firefighters are facing challenges in controlling the fires in both the Lahaina and Upcountry areas of Maui.
Read more »
Hawaii Wildfires Burn Structures On MauiHigh winds have fanned wildfires in Hawaii, prompting evacuations. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNN that the hospital system on Maui is overburdened with burn patients and people suffering from inhalation. More than 14,000 homes and businesses on Maui were without power early Wednesday. The fires have been fanned by wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph.
Read more »