Key takeaways:
- At least 36 people have died and many historic buildings have been destroyed in the wildfire that swept through Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii on August 8 and 9, 2023.
- The fire was fueled by dry grasses and strong winds, exacerbated by Hurricane Dora passing far to the south.
- Firefighters and emergency personnel are working to contain the blaze and provide aid to those affected, while the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
On August 8 and 9, 2023, a wildfire swept through the historic town of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, leaving a charred and smoldering landscape in its wake. The town, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, is home to about 13,000 residents and is a popular tourist destination.
Maui County officials reported Wednesday night that the fire had killed at least 36 people and destroyed many historic buildings, including the iconic banyan tree. The fire was fueled by dry grasses and strong winds, which were further exacerbated by Hurricane Dora passing far to the south.
Lahaina has a rich history, having been founded between 300 to 700 A.D. when Polynesian settlers traveled to the Big Island and named it Havaiki. In 1802, King Kamehameha chose Lahaina as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and built a brick palace there. The town remained the capital for 50 years until it was replaced by Honolulu.
The fire is still burning on Maui’s west coast, as well as farther inland and on the Big Island of Hawaii. Firefighters and emergency personnel are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and provide aid to those affected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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