#Socialites, join us in sending continued prayers for Hawaii and those affected by the deadly wildfires that have been burning across the state since Tuesday (August 8). The latest update in the tragedy leaves Maui officials reporting that at least 36 people are confirmed dead as evacuations continue.
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It is reported that the deadly fires began on the island of Hawaii on Tuesday night, with the flames being driven by strong winds from a hurricane passing on the far south of the island chain through Lahaina and other parts of Maui.
Officials with the Hawaii Emergency Management reported that there are currently six active fires burning on Maui and Big Island; having already burned through about 2,000 acres of land and destroying over 270 structures, with way more damage expected.
Hawaiian officials are continuing to urge the public to leave their homes and flee for their safety as the Maui wildfires continue to engulf the area. Sadly, officials have also reported that dozens of people have been injured and that at least 36 people have been killed in the “unprecedented” Hawaii wildfires raging across Maui.
On Tuesday, when the fires first began, the mayor’s office said that more than 2,100 people were in four emergency shelters on Maui. But the with the numbers growing past the amount centers and space available, federal aid has been issued.
Then on Wednesday (August 9), President Joe Biden addressed the tragedy and approved a disaster declaration, providing more federal aid to the state of Hawaii. Including in that aid was the deployment of more than 100 National Guard members, who have been activated to assist local firemen and other emergency personnel in Hawaii.
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On Thursday (August 10), Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said they activated 134 personnel, including 99 from the Army National Guard and 35 from the Air National Guard. Ryder added that the Coast Guard has also rescued about upwards of 20 people who had gone into the ocean to take shelter from the fire and smoke on Maui. More people were rescued off the shore of Lahaina.
Reportedly, the fire on Maui is the deadliest since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and nearly destroyed the town of Paradise.
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