'Do NOT go to Lahaina Town,' the county tweeted hours before all roads in and out of West Maui's biggest community were closed to everyone except emergency personnel.
Fire was widespread in Lahaina, including Front Street, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said.Wildfires in Hawaii fanned by strong winds burned multiple structures, forcing evacuations and closing schools in several communities.
Crews on Maui were battling multiple blazes concentrated in two areas: the tourist destination of West Maui and an inland, mountainous region. In West Maui, 911 service was out and residents were directed to call the police department directly. Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke issued an emergency proclamation on behalf of Gov. Josh Green, who is traveling, and activated the Hawaii National Guard to assist.
"Everyone who comes to Maui, the one place that everybody goes is Front Street," he said. "The central two blocks is the economic heart of this island, and I don't know what's left."The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved a disaster declaration to provide assistance with a fire that threatened about 200 homes in and around Kohala Ranch, a small rural community on the Big Island, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
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