DEVELOPING STORY: A wall of flames destroyed much of historic downtown Lahaina on Maui. Many residents were forced to jump into the ocean to escape the fast-moving flames.
“Eyewitnesses described an apocalyptic scene Tuesday in Lahaina town, where residents were forced to jump into the harbor waters,” Hawaii News Now reports. Watch video of the blaze below and click here to join Todd’s private Facebook group for conservatives.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke told Hawaii News Now that the National Guard had been activated to help respond to the sprawling fire crisis, which also includes other raging wildfires.
“It’s just so hard. I’m currently Upcountry and just knowing I can’t get a hold of any of my family members. I still don’t know where my little brother is. I don’t know where my stepdad is,” one resident told the newspaper. “Everyone I know in Lahaina, their homes have burned down.”
The Coast Guard says they’ve rescued at least 12 people from the waters off Maui.
Front Street business owner Alan Dickar told CBS News buildings on both sides of the street were engulfed in flames. Dickar said it appeared the fire department was overwhelmed.
“Maui can’t handle this,” Dickar said. “A lot of people just lost their jobs because a lot of businesses burned. A lot of people lost their homes. … This is going to be devastating for Maui.”
#mauifire View of the Maui upcountry fires from different spots on Maui. They just closed Pulehu road. More houses and farms being evacuated upcountry. On the west side, Lahaina Front st apartments burned down, Island Grocery Warehouse burned down. So heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/rVw2h1wjDh
— Suepin (@yzimng2) August 9, 2023
Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people.
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
The Coast Guard is responding to people who were forced to go into the ocean due to the flames.
Video credit to Alan Dickar, a local resident of Lahaina. pic.twitter.com/8uiyHQP55B
BREAKING: Popular 'Front Street' is on fire in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii, where, authorities said, people jumped into the water to escape flames and smoke from a wind-fueled wildfire. pic.twitter.com/vPRXufhbHc
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 9, 2023
❗️🇺🇲🔥 Several structures are on fire in #Lahaina, #Maui, #Hawaii, as a result of a very severe wildfire. 🙄🙄🙄👇 pic.twitter.com/2dlBfwyNCh
— Naren Mukherjee (@NMukherjee6) August 9, 2023
Extremely dangerous wildfire situation is ongoing in West Maui as strong winds up to 60 mph are pushing flames toward populated areas in and around Lahaina.
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
pic.twitter.com/YxRvQp7AxI
This is Front Street, Lahaina on Maui. What was known as a popular tourist destination is currently turning to ash. My family, my friends and my small island community in turmoil, heartbreak and danger as the rest of us helplessly watch. video credit: Joyce C. pic.twitter.com/G7A52MMEYo
— jes (@jesadreamer) August 9, 2023