Maui wildfires updates: President Biden, first lady get firsthand look at 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.
Latest headlines:
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.
How to help:
-- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
-- University of Hawai'i Foundation
-- Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui
-ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy
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.
Fire moved 'like a freight train,' FEMA official says
The fire that ripped through Lahaina moved so quickly that there was little chance for those fleeing to outrun it, an official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency told ABC News.
"This fire was moving like a freight train," John Mills, an agency spokesperson, told ABC News' Whit Johnson on "Good Morning America" on Friday.
Mills added, "People could not drive fast enough to outrun it, much less run fast enough. They sought shelter anywhere they could."
More than half of destroyed area searched
Search crews had covered about 58% of the area destroyed by wildfires in Maui by Thursday evening, up from about 40% the evening prior, officials said in a late update.
The number of fatalities confirmed remained at 111 as of about 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, officials said.
-ABC News’ Ahmad Hemingway
Maui Emergency Management Agency official resigns over health reasons
Maui Emergency Management Agency administrator Herman Andaya, who on Wednesday defended not sounding the sirens as wildfires ripped through the island, has resigned.
Andaya cited health reasons for resigning, according to a news release from the mayor's office
Mayor Richard Bissen accepted the resignation and announced Thursday night he will quickly work to fill the position.
“Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible and I look forward to making that announcement soon,” Bissen said in a statement.
FEMA launches website to dispel rumors
Following reports of misinformation over the federal government's response to the wildfires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched a website that includes frequently asked questions and dispels rumors.
The website, which will be updated regularly, will help "to keep survivors of the Hawaii wildfires aware of rumors and scams, and to help them better understand the federal disaster assistance programs and processes," the agency said in a statement.
Some of the misinformation dispelled so far on the site included falsehoods that FEMA charges for inspections and that the agency only provides disaster assistance if an applicant forfeits their land.
-ABC News' Luke Barr
At least 6 deaths reported in Maui, mayor says
There have been at least six deaths reported in Maui County amid devastating wildfires, officials said.
"We're still in a search and rescue mode, and so I don't know what will happen to that number," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said during a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.
More than 2,100 people are in shelters in Maui County, he said.
Shelters are "overrun" amid the disaster, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said while urging tourists not to travel there.
"This is not a safe place to be," she said.