Officials long knew of the risk of a major blaze, but a review of records and interviews shows there was not a fire evacuation plan for Lahaina.
The Lahaina fire in West Maui ignited as firefighters focused on the Upcountry fire. What happened next — the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century — left the historic town in ashes.Pluta, 74, has lived in Lahaina for four decades and played a role in raising funds to build a fire station in West Maui decades ago. Last week, he woke to the blaring sound of a smoke detector. He was able to punch out the screen in his window and scramble outside as choking vapors filled his bedroom.
By then, it was too late for many to receive evacuation warnings. Many people said they did not get the text message or broadcast warnings, likely because of power outages and failed communications systems. A truck travels the Lahaina Bypass after roads opened to the public a week after the devastating wildfire swept through town.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Montgomery County fire: Resident starts illegal trash fire, homes damaged in fireOne Magnolia resident received citations for starting a fire that caused damage in Montgomery County.
Read more »
Death toll from devastating Maui fire reaches 106, as county begins identifying victimsFederal officials sent a mobile morgue with coroners, pathologists and technicians to Hawaii to help identify the dead, as Maui County released the first names of people killed in the wildfire that all but incinerated the historic town of Lahaina a week ago and killed at least 106 people.
Read more »
Death toll from Maui fire at 106 as county begins identifying victimsJust two victims have been named so far, while the county said it has identified three more and will release the names after notifying the next of kin.
Read more »
Maui Harvest church untouched by fire, attention turns to recoveryHarvest Kumulani Chapel on Maui is open to provide prayer, aid and supplies to those impacted by the fires. Here’s how you can help.
Read more »
Maui tourism, an economic mainstay, sparks anger amid fire ruinThe incongruous sight of tourists enjoying Maui's tropical beaches while search-and-rescue teams trawl building ruins and waters for victims of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century has outraged some residents.
Read more »
Hawaiian community in Alaska organizes relief for Maui fire victimsWatching the tragedy unfold on social media, Tasha Kahele said she felt a sense of hopelessness at first.
Read more »