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https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/maui-wildfires-08-09-23/h_3cc1023767f1b1f95b46f67a816aa0da
Deadly wildfires burning across Maui prompt evacuations
By Aditi Sangal, Eric Levenson, Elise Hammond, Tori B. Powell, Maureen Chowdhury, Amir Vera, Adrienne Vogt and Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN
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- Catch Up
- Lahaina
"Like something out of a horror movie": Resident whose house was burned down describes chaotic evacuation
The wildfires in Maui spread so quickly, many people did not have time to prepare, according to a harrowing account from a resident who witnessed the moments the fire swept through her town.
Claire Kent said her home in Lahaina was burned down in the fast-moving inferno.
“It happened so fast,” she said, describing how the day started like any other. Kent said she was off work because of high winds from Hurricane Dora. She works on a boat in the harbor and all the trips were canceled due to the weather.
“I heard the first explosions of the gas stations exploding, and then I saw the black smoke a couple streets away, and within half an hour, we were out the door,” Kent said. “I was at a friend's house. I didn’t even go home, I didn't have anything with me.”
She said within an hour, the fires had moved all the way to the end of the neighborhood. That’s when she realized they weren’t going to be able to go back.
“There's flames on both sides of the road — like something out of a horror movie,” Kent said, describing the scene as cars worked to evacuate.
She said that due to the spotty cell service, evacuation warnings were delivered by “people running down the street."
"There were guys riding around on bicycles just screaming at people to leave,” Kent said.
Some people, however, weren’t able to get out. She described the flames moving quickly, enveloping some areas in a matter of a half hour. Some people were jumping into the water to get away from the fire, she said.
"Everything is gone," she said. "It's the history of Lahaina that is just so devastating."
Listen to the full account:
"Some loss of life is expected" from wildfires, Hawaii governor says
From CNN’s Angelica Grimaldi and Cheri Mossburg
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said he anticipates some deaths as wildfires affect the island of Maui.
"Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions. Maui and the Big Island both experienced significant fires. Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced,” said Green, who is cutting a vacation short and returning to the state immediately.
Green, who expects to be back in Hawaii later tonight, said he intends to submit a disaster declaration request to President Joe Biden once a preliminary damage assessment is made, likely in the next day or two.
“Our state appreciates the incredible outpouring of concern and prayers from the mainland. We won’t forget the aloha you have already begun to share with us,” Green said.
Drought in Hawaii contributing to fire spread
From CNN’s Rachel Ramirez
Hawaii’s destructive wildfires are being fanned by a combination of strong wind and dry conditions that are blanketing vast swaths of the island.
While scientists are still trying to fully understand how the climate crisis will affect Hawaii, they have noted that drought will get worse as global temperature increases.
Currently, Maui has moderate drought covering more than one-third of the island, with some areas seeing severe drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. The areas in drought coincide with where some of the fires are occurring.
Warmer temperatures increase the amount of water the atmosphere can absorb, which then dries out the landscape. As heat sets in, the dried-out land and vegetation can provide fuel for wildfires, which can swiftly turn deadly if strong winds help fan the flames into communities.
According to the 4th US National Climate Assessment, released in 2018, drought conditions are becoming more extreme and common in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. Scientists noted in that report that the rainfall has generally been decreasing in Hawaii over time, with the number of consecutive dry days increasing.
Global scientists reported in 2021 that because of the climate crisis, droughts that may have occurred only once every decade or so now happen 70% more frequently.
WATCH: Satellite shows strong winds fanning Hawaii fires
From CNN meteorologist Mary Gilbert
Satellite imagery captured just how quickly Hawaii’s wildfires spread on Tuesday afternoon and evening as strong winds blew from the northeast.
Imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows fire hotspots — which appear as glowing red circle — developed on Maui’s northwestern shore and in the higher terrain near the center of the island.
The hotspot that shows up brightest on the far west side of Maui is a massive, destructive fire burning through historic Lahaina.
A large plume of dark smoke unfurls in the area of the fire near the end of the satellite loop as strong winds blow the smoke westward, away from Maui and over Lanai.
Hawaii predicted to have above-average fire risk for next 4 months, agency says
Hawaii was predicted to have an above-average risk for fire in August — and that higher risk will remain in place for the next several months, according to a national collaborative agency.
The National Interagency Fire Center forecasts that Hawaii will be at the above-average mark for the remainder of August, plus into September, October and November.
The NIFC collaborates with national and state wildland fire agencies to help coordinate fire management and support firefighting efforts, according to its website.
Much of Maui County, where some of the fires are burning, is experiencing a moderate drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. High winds associated with Hurricane Dora, which is located hundreds of miles southwest of Honolulu, are also helping to fan the flames across the dry landscape, experts say.
As fires in Hawaii force evacuations, here's what to do if you get trapped by a wildfire
From CNN's Holly Yan
Evacuations are underway across Hawaii’s Big Island and Maui as several different wildfires rage across the islands.
Strong winds are helping to fan the fires, affecting the speed and direction of the infernos.
The Maui County Fire Department is urging people to prepare their homes for wildfires if they have the opportunity. Officials recommend clearing out combustibles within 30 feet of houses and sweeping vegetation and debris from the gutters and roof, according to a post. It's also important to have a clear evacuation plan and to make sure hydrants and water tasks are accessible, the fire department said.
If you find yourself caught in a wildfire, here are some things you can do to try to protect yourself, according to tips from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
In your car:
- Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.
- Close all vehicle windows and vents.
- If you have a cotton or wool blanket or jacket, cover yourself with it t deflect radiant heat.
- Lie on the floor of your vehicle.
At home:
- Fill sinks and tubs to stock up on water if the power goes out.
- Keep doors and windows closed but unlocked.
- Stay inside your house.
- Stay away from outside walls and windows.
Outside:
- Try to find a place free from vegetation, such as a ditch or depression on level ground.
- Lie face down and cover your body to minimize smoke inhalation.
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