Latest Hawaii fires: Deadly flames engulfed town ‘without notice,’ raising the death toll to 55

There is no evidence that warning sirens were activated before to a devastating wildfire that killed at least 55 people and destroyed a historic village in Hawaii. According to the Maui mayor, emergency responders have not yet explored inside structures. As a result, the current death toll of 55 reflects just those discovered outside. “We have not yet searched the interiors of the buildings,” Richard T Bissen Jr told NBC.
“We’re waiting for FEMA to assist with that search because they’re equipped to handle the hazmat conditions of the burned-out buildings.” When asked if the island’s warning system had been effective enough, he stated it was a “impossible situation.”

“Everything occurred so fast. “I can’t say whether or not the sirens went off, but I know the fires started quickly and spread quickly,” he added.

The governor of Hawaii has declared that residents of Lahaina can return home today following evacuations in the region.
“We’re heartbroken over the loss of life, but people will be able to return home today,” Josh Green said, adding that a curfew will most likely be set later.
However, he cautioned neighbors that the neighborhood would not look the same: “They will see destruction like they have never seen in their lives.”
Mr Green expects Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr to make a similar statement later today.

The destruction and loss of life caused by wildfires in Hawaii are “tragic,” according to Vice President Kamala Harris, who reaffirmed Joe Biden’s message of “full support” for officials on the ground coping with the aftermath. “The president and I are deeply concerned about what is going on in Hawaii, particularly on Maui,” she added. “It is tragic what has happened there, and I have full faith and confidence in the leadership in Hawaii to stay on top of this, but they will have our full support,” she continued. Ms Harris stated that there are no imminent plans to visit the devastated region so that resources are not diverted to accommodate the president or senior members of his staff. The flames have left a path of devastation in Lahaina, a seaside resort community with a rich history as a whaling center and the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom that today attracts two million tourists every year.
The Lahaina fire is currently 80% controlled, while the Pulehu fire to the east is 70% contained. According to Maui County, the situation with the Upcountry fire in the island’s mountainous central portion remains unpredictable.

People on Maui are increasingly concerned about lost loved ones. Kimberly Buen of Palmdale, California, stated that she is unable to contact her father, Maurice “Shadow” Buen, a 79-year-old retired sport fisherman who is unable to see or move properly.
Her father has two friends who transport him to the drugstore and read his mail, but neither can get back to Lahaina, where her father resides, she added. “He has no way out,” said Ms Buen.
“I’ve gone through all the lists, all the social media, and followed everyone at the shelters.” I’ve already contacted the Red Cross. And I’m at a loss on what to do.” She isn’t the only one looking for answers from afar. Marcia Reynolds of Natick, Massachusetts, had been attempting to read scribbled shelter signs.