Deadliest US Wildfire in Over a Century: Historic Maui Town Razed, Death Toll at 93
Maui, Hawaii – In what has been deemed the deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century, a historic town in Maui has been razed to the ground, leaving a devastating death toll of 93. As authorities continue their efforts to find and identify the victims, it is clear that this tragedy is far from over. With only 3 percent of the search area covered by crews with cadaver dogs, the full extent of the loss is yet to be determined.
Maui Police Chief, John Pelletier, expressed the difficulties faced in the identification process, stating, We pick up the remains and they fall apart. The remains have been through a fire that melted metal. Only two people have been identified so far. The search and rescue teams, marked the ruins of homes with a bright orange X to indicate an initial search, and then HR when human remains were discovered.
The devastation caused by the fire in the centuries-old town of Lahaina is unprecedented. Governor Josh Green described it as the worst natural disaster that Hawaii has ever faced. Over 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed in West Maui alone, with the estimated overall damage across the island reaching close to $6 billion. The Upcountry fire affected 544 structures, mostly homes.
The scale of displacement is also staggering, as approximately 4,500 people are in need of shelter. County officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those affected.
The wildfire was fueled by a dry summer and strong winds brought about by a passing hurricane. Its speed and intensity meant that firefighters were unable to contain it in the early hours. Many residents, like retired fire captain Geoff Bogar and his friend Franklin Trejos, were forced to evacuate and leave their homes behind. Tragically, Trejos did not survive. When Bogar returned to his car the next day, he discovered the remains of his friend and their beloved dog, Sam.
The impact of this disaster is not just limited to the loss of lives and property. Water officials have warned residents not to drink running water in certain areas due to possible contamination, and the firefighting efforts were hindered by limited staff and equipment.
As the efforts to recover and rebuild continue, the community is coming together to support each other and provide aid. Volunteers have unloaded supplies from a catamaran, providing essentials to those who have lost their homes and are now seeking refuge. The aloha spirit that embodies the Hawaiian culture remains strong, inspiring people to lend a helping hand to their fellow community members.
This devastating wildfire surpasses the death toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, which claimed the lives of 85 people, and the 1918 Cloquet Fire in Minnesota, which killed hundreds. It also marks Hawaii’s deadliest natural disaster in decades. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the spirit of resilience and solidarity among the people of Maui gives hope for the rebuilding process.
As authorities continue their search and recovery efforts, it is essential to remember and honor the lives that were lost in this tragedy. The full extent of the devastation is yet to be discovered, and the process of identifying the victims remains a difficult and heartbreaking task. The community remains united, and through their collective strength, they will start to heal and rebuild their lives amidst the ruins.
