In Hawaii, the situation is coming to a head because of strong bush and forest fires. The fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui were “in no way” contained, the US news channel CNN quoted the district spokeswoman as saying on Wednesday morning (local time). Strong gusts of wind fueled the fire. About 2000 visitors are stuck at the local airport. Flames also destroyed homes in the historic center of the city of Lahaina on the island. According to the authorities, the emergency call failed on parts of the island.
“It’s apocalyptic,” Clint Hansen, a Maui resident, told CNN about the scenes that unfolded: “People are jumping into the sea to escape the flames.” The Coast Guard confirmed a dozen people near Lahaina had to be rescued after they “entered the sea due to the smoke and fire conditions.” They were taken to safe places.
Numerous houses had to be evacuated before the blazing flames. Hurricane Dora continues to fan the fires.
(Photo: Zeke Kalua /AFP)
Treating burn injuries and smoke inhalation is difficult, Maui Deputy Governor Sylvia Luke told CNN because the hospital system is overwhelmed: “The reality is we have to fly people out of Maui because the hospital in Maui doesn’t have comprehensive treatment for burns can perform.”
According to the district of Maui, the fires blazed mainly in the west and inland of the island. Some roads were blocked due to fallen power lines. Emergency shelters have been set up for the residents. According to the district, a firefighter suffered from smoke inhalation and was taken to the hospital. His condition is stable.
Wildfires caused by hurricane ‘unprecedented’
According to the responsible district, the largest island in the US state of Hawaii is also affected by the fires. The hurricane is partly responsible for this dorapassing south of the U.S. state’s islands, officials said.
“The fact that we have wildfires in multiple areas that are indirectly attributable to a hurricane is unprecedented. It’s something the Hawaiians and the state have never experienced,” said Luke, the assistant governor of Maui.
A state of emergency has been declared for the two counties of Maui and Hawaii. This will mobilize the Hawaii National Guard to assist responders in affected communities.