LIVE UPDATES: Death Toll Rises to 111; Search and Rescue Efforts Continue Following Devastating Hawaii Wildfires

*Originally published on August 9
Updated on August 17, 2023, at 8:33 a.m.:

Reports indicate that the death has reached 111, and that number is expected to continue. There are also thousands missing. Several of the dead have been identified, with county officials beginning to release names.

"Our hearts go out to the families, friends and community affected by this devastating event," writes county officials.

The individuals have been identified as:

Robert Dyckman, 74
Buddy Jantoc, 79
Carole Hartley, 60
Franklin Trejos, 68

"We offer our deepest condolences to the families who are beginning to receive notifications about their loved ones," added Mayor Richard Bissen. "As a community, we offer our prayers of comfort in this most difficult time."

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said many deaths happened on a highway down by the ocean.

"I think many of the fatalities that we’ll ultimately discover, a higher percentage will be from there," Green said. "But now that we’re going to the houses, we are not sure what we will see. We’re hopeful and praying that it’s not large, large numbers."

The raging wildfires continue to take over the Hawaiian island of Maui. Thousands of people have been displaced, with more than 1,700 structures having been destroyed. In addition, the historic town of Lahaina was demolished.

"We are still in life-preservation mode. Search and rescue is still a primary concern," said Adam Weintraub, a spokesperson for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

The cause of the fires has yet to be identified. At the time of the fires breaking out, a majority of Hawaii was under a red flag warning for fire risk.

If you'd like to help the victims of the Hawaii fires, we've collected a list of non-profits and organizations you can donate to:

Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura said none of the fires are "100% contained right now." He also said there are several small fires in between the large fires in Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry.

Canada and the United Kingdom have issued travel advisories to Maui, warning visitors to avoid nonessential travel because of the fires.

Island-wide requests from officials ask people to conserve water so that supplies aren't diminished for the firefighters battling the fires.

The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora, which was passing just south of Hawaii, was partly to blame for wind gusts (60+ mph). The high winds knocked out power, grounded firefighting helicopters, and even caused damage to buildings. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center said Dora was a Category 4 hurricane, as of Wednesday morning.

*This is an ongoing story and will be updated as we learn more. Refresh for the latest!

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