Deadly fires swept through Maui, killing at least 36 people and displacing thousands, according to the Associated Press.
Strong hurricane winds combined with a dry summer season to spark one of the worst wildfires in years on Tuesday. This has left the city of Lahaina devastated.
Adam Weintraub, a spokesman for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, noted the death toll may rise.
He stated during an interview on “Good Morning America,” “These were large and fast-moving fires, and it’s only recently that we’ve started to get our arms around them and contain them. So, we’re hoping for the best, but we’re prepared for the worst.”
President Joe Biden issued military aid utilizing the Hawaii National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Third Fleets, and the Army’s Black Hawk Helicopters.
In addition, the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of Agriculture are working to support those affected by the fires.
Biden said, “I urge all residents to continue to follow evacuation orders, listen to the instructions of first responders and officials, and stay alert.”
Former Hawaii House Representative Tulsi Gabbard posted about the fires on X.
My heart is breaking for Hawaii. Please say a prayer for our firefighters, first responders and families, esp on Maui and Hawaii Island whose lives are at risk because of the catastrophic wildfires and hurricane winds 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/RKG4dXCMDR
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) August 10, 2023
She said, “Please say a prayer for our firefighters, first responders and families, esp on Maui and Hawaii Island whose lives are at risk because of the catastrophic wildfires and hurricane winds.”
Video journalist Nick Sortor shared images of the fires and the aftermath, writing, “The town of Lahaina looks absolutely apocalyptic. There is practically nothing left.”
🚨 JUST IN: Death toll from Maui, Hawaii fires has reached 36
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 10, 2023
The town of Lahaina looks absolutely apocalyptic. There is practically nothing left.
Winds from a distant hurricane fanned the flames of a wildfire, engulfing the resort town with very little warning.
People fled… pic.twitter.com/sHLVcCxaiv
“People fled however they could—some by even jumping into the ocean to escape the blaze,” he added.
Passenger plane captures devastating wildfires happening in Lahaina, Hawaiipic.twitter.com/bsuzlkWUZ0
— Amazing Nature (@AmazingNature00) August 10, 2023
Amazing Nature posted an aerial shot of the wildfires spanning across the entire city.
Pray for Hawaii pic.twitter.com/zagNowwF46
— Chad Prather (@WatchChad) August 10, 2023
Blaze TV host Chad Prather displayed footage of the aftermath and asked his followers to simply “Pray for Hawaii.”