At least 36 people died following a massive wildfire that destroyed the city of Lahaina, Hawaii this week — and the devastation is only getting worse. Lahaina, located on the western edge of the Island of Maui, has been almost completely reduced to ruins by the fires spreading across multiple Hawaiian Islands in the wake of a nearby hurricane.
The passage of Category-4 Hurricane Dora a few hundred miles south of the islands generated wind gusts of more than 70 mph, which combined with a high-pressure system to the north and dry inland conditions to create the perfect environment for a brush fire. The blazes first broke out on Tuesday, quickly spreading to engulf thousands of acres—destroying homes and businesses in the process.
“Flyovers today of Lahaina town by U.S. Civil Air Patrol and Maui Fire Department showed that more than 271 structures have been impacted,” read an emergency update from Maui County officials. “Widespread damage to the West Maui town, the harbor, and surrounding areas are being documented.”
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As the fire spread into the Lahaina city limits, people were forced to flee from the historic town, sometimes with only a few minutes’ notice. At least 14 people sought refuge in the ocean once they found themselves cut off by the flames, requiring rescue by the US Coast Guard.
#WATCH: New video shows the moment a wildfire tore though homes in Lahaina.
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Thousands took shelter in various locations across Maui and the Big Island, with 1,800 people staying in the Kahului Airport as the fires led to unsafe flying conditions. “This is not a safe place to be on certain parts of Maui. We have shelters that are overrun. We have resources that are being taxed,” Maui officials said.
While no official cause for the wildfire has been determined, it is believed that powerlines downed by strong winds may be to blame. The latest reports indicate that damaged electrical infrastructure has also left more than 15,000 Hawaiians without power.
Emergency responders from the US Military and the American Red Cross have been conducting search and rescue efforts and attempting to help control the fires.
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