Maui wildfires updates: President Biden, first lady tour damage

The fires burned thousands of homes and commercial buildings to the ground.

The deadly wildfires that erupted on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Aug. 8 have become the deadliest natural disaster in state history, officials said.

The blazes spread rapidly due to very dry conditions stemming from a drought combined with powerful winds. Much of the historic town of Lahaina has been "destroyed," officials said, and the inferno has burned thousands of residential and commercial buildings to the ground.

Maui Wildfires
ABC News, AP, Nasa

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Aug 17, 2023, 5:36 am

Maui Strong: Charities to directly support wildfire relief efforts

On Thursday, "Good Morning America" and ABC News organized efforts to help viewers get involved in relief efforts for survivors of the Maui fires.

"Good Morning America" is helping raise awareness for Maui fire relief efforts.
ABC News

How to help:

-- Maui Strong Fund

-- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

-- University of Hawai'i Foundation

-- Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui

-- American Red Cross/ABC

-ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy

Aug 16, 2023, 11:55 am

What we know about the victims

Over 100 people have died from the devastating wildfires on Maui. Officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as they work to contain the active blazes and assess the damage.

Click here to read what we know about some of the victims.

PHOTO: In an undated photo, Buddy Jantoc, center, is seen with his granddaughter Keshia Alakai and her husband.
In an undated photo, Buddy Jantoc, center, is seen with his granddaughter Keshia Alakai and her husband. Courtesy of The Family of Buddy Jantoc
Courtesy of The Family of Buddy Jantoc

Aug 12, 2023, 10:13 AM EDT

2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina fire, with 2,170 acres burned: Officials

According to the Pacific Disaster Center, an estimated total of 2,719 structures were exposed to the Lahaina fire; 2,207 structures were damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned.

Of the buildings exposed to the fire, 86% were classified as residential.

-ABC News' Flor Tolentino

Aug 12, 2023, 3:51 AM EDT

Death toll climbs to 80 in Maui wildfires

At least 80 people have died in Maui as wildfires continue to flare up, officials said in an update.

Firefighters were working to contain three blazes in Lahaina, Upcountry Maui and near Pulehu and Kihei, official said at about 9 p.m. local time. A fire reported near Kaanapali was 100% contained.

In an aerial view, homes and businesses are seen that were destroyed by a wildfire on August 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Restrictions on vehicle traffic were in place throughout West Maui, but the road leading out of Lahaina was open, county officials said.

"The burned historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area due to hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas," the update said said. "Wearing a mask and gloves is advised."

Volunteers help with community donations of drinking water at King's Cathedral church as residents come together to help people effected by the wildfires on Maui island, in Hawaii, U.S., August 11, 2023.
Mike Blake/Reuters

About 1,400 people were at emergency evacuation shelters, county officials said.

Aug 12, 2023, 3:48 AM EDT

Fire near Kaanapali 80% controlled, evacuations stopped

A fire near Maui’s Kaanapali area is now 80% controlled and evacuations have been stopped, the Maui Police Department said in an update.

-ABC News Flor Tolentino

Aug 12, 2023, 2:44 AM EDT

Evacuation underway in Kaanapali

Residents and tourists in Kaanapali were being evacuated Friday evening as fires continued in West Maui, law enforcement officials said.

"As of this posting, there is a fire in West Maui, residents in the Kaanapali are currently being evacuated," the Maui Police Department said in a statement posted to social media.

Kaanapali, another area popular with tourists, is on the coast a few miles north of Lahaina.

-ABC News' Amanda Morris

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