Maui wildfires updates: President Biden, first lady tour damage

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

ByMark Osborne, Meredith Deliso, Morgan Winsor, Nadine El-Bawab, Mary Kekatos, Kevin Shalvey, Jolie Lash, Ivan Pereira, and Kiara Alfonseca
Video byJulian Kim and Emmanuelle Saliba
Last Updated: August 21, 2023, 2:00 PM EDT

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 15, 2023, 7:28 AM EDT

60 people who were 'missing' found safe in a house

As wildfires continue to burn on Maui, officials said hundreds of people remain unaccounted for.

But 60 people who were deemed missing were found safe in a single house on Wednesday, ABC News has learned.

Officials are now using the term "unaccounted for" instead of "missing" because many people on the Hawaiian island have no power, internet or phones and can’t get in touch with relatives or authorities.

-ABC News' Gio Benitez

Aug 15, 2023, 6:50 AM EDT

Latest wind forecast for Hawaii

Wind speeds are expected to pick up over Hawaii from Tuesday through Thursday, as a high pressure to the north strengthens while a tropical storm passes to the south.

The latest weather forecast shows winds will be around 25 to 35 mph across the island state on Tuesday, with locally higher gusts possible.

A map shows the wind forecast for Hawaii on Aug. 15, 2023.
ABC News

Overall, these are dry trade winds, so the chances of rain are low.

This comes as firefighters struggle to contain deadly wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Dry and windy conditions have helped fan the flames.

-ABC News' Max Golembo

Aug 15, 2023, 5:46 AM EDT

What we know about the victims

Devastating wildfires that erupted on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Aug. 8 have claimed the lives of at least 99 people while many more remain missing, according to authorities.

Officials on Maui have repeatedly warned that the death toll is expected to rise as they work to contain the active blazes and assess the damage.

Here's what we know about some of the victims.

PHOTO: Franklin Trejos is seen here in an undated file photo.
Franklin Trejos is seen here in an undated file photo. Courtesy of Shannon Weber-Bogar
Courtesy Shannon Weber-Bogar

Aug 15, 2023, 5:27 AM EDT

Lahaina fire now 85% contained, officials say

The wildfire in the historic Maui town of Lahaina has burned a total of 2,170 acres since Aug. 8 and is 85% contained as of Wednesday night, according to a press release from Maui County.

"Multiple fire crews are assigned to monitor and address any flareups," the county said of the Lahaina fire. "There are no active threats at this time."

Meanwhile, the Upcountry/Kula wildfire, which was initially reported on Aug. 8, has burned a total of 678 acres and is now 65% contained. Air support was deployed during the daytime on Monday to hit hot spots, according to Maui County.

"Hot spots in gulches and other hard to reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make establishment of complete control lines difficult," the county said of the Upcountry/Kula fire.

The Pulehu/Kihei wildfire, also initially reported on Aug. 8, was declared 100% contained on Saturday and remains so. However, 100% containment does not mean the blaze has been extinguished, but rather it means firefighters have the flames fully surrounded by a perimeter, according to Maui County.

"Fire personnel are staying vigilant for flare-ups," the county said of the Pulehu/Kihei fire. "There are no active threats at this time."

The Pu'ukoli'i/Kaanapali wildfire, which was initially reported on Aug. 11, was extinguished on Saturday and remains so. It burned a total of 1 acre, according to Maui County.

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