Maui Wildfire Update – August 11, 2023, at 2 p.m.
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
First responders continue to battle the three Maui wildfires.
- Containment reported as of Friday morning was:
- Lāhainā: 80%
- Kīhei: 70-80%
- Kula: Containment estimate pending further assessment
The death toll was 67 (as of 1 p.m. local time Friday, August 11), making it the second deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history.
- Local leaders said it is currently impossible to estimate the number of missing persons. The need for phone and internet service is slowing their efforts.
- Officials expect the death toll to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Mayor Bissen shared that rescue teams have not yet searched the interiors of buildings.
- The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is offering expanded hours and crisis mental health services to those experiencing emotional or psychological distress due to the Maui wildfires.
Access to Lāhainā was reopened to residents of West Maui at noon today.
- A curfew has been implemented from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily in Lāhainā and other affected areas. Access through Māʻalaea into the restricted zone of Lāhainā Town will be closed during these times, effective until hazardous conditions improve.
- The DOH released a statement advising residents and business owners returning to the Lāhainā area to exercise caution, wear protective gear and adhere to safety guidelines due to health hazards from ash, debris and potentially toxic substances.
- The New York Times published heartbreaking photos from the empty streets of Lāhainā, and Hawai‘i Public Radio gave insight into the tremendous loss of cultural landmarks affecting the Native Hawaiian community.
The Department of the Attorney General has initiated a comprehensive review of the emergency response to the Maui wildfires.
- The review will assess the “critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week.”
- Amid reports of the lack of audible sirens and warnings about the fire, state and county officials are working to understand what occurred and how to prepare moving forward.
The groundswell of donations and support for victims continues.
- Organizations across Hawaiʻi have joined together to produce “Maui Ola: A Benefit Concert for Maui,” a live concert and broadcast fundraiser, where 100% of proceeds will support Maui’s severely impacted communities, through donation portals, including Maui United Way, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hawaiʻi People’s Fund and Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
- Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiance Lauren Sánchez pledged $100 million to support Maui recovery efforts.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team