Maui wildfires – live: Devastating wildfire burns historic town ‘to the ground’ in Hawaii and kills 36

Report by Independent.co.uk

As firefighting operations continue, Maui County has reported a total of 36 fatalities today amidst the ongoing Lahaina fire.

Fueled by winds from a distant hurricane, deadly wildfires claimed the lives of at least 36 individuals and brought havoc upon Lahaina, a prominent resort city on Maui island in Hawaii.

Yesterday, as thousands were compelled to evacuate, several sought refuge in the ocean to escape the encroaching smoke and flames.

Numerous neighbourhoods were engulfed in flames, resulting in extensive destruction on the island’s western side, which was nearly isolated with only a lone highway accessible.

According to reports from flyovers conducted by the US Civil Air Patrol and the Maui Fire Department, as cited by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a total of 271 structures suffered damage or were completely razed.

“We just had the worst disaster I’ve ever seen. All of Lahaina is burnt to a crisp. It’s like an apocalypse,” said Lahaina resident Mason Jarvi, who escaped from the city