THE CALM BEFORE THE FIRESTORM

We have been a little shocked by all of the wildfires and too overwhelmed with information overload to cover them. Now, that we have taken a big breath, we are going to jump in with both feet. Here is a recap of when all of this started to where we are today.

(L) Photo Credit: County of Maui.

Photo Description: This photo was posted on the County’s website which depicts the beautiful lands, ocean, and mountainous areas. Who wouldn’t want to discover what Maui has to offer for those who wish to work, play, live, and visit?

We know there has been much destruction and devastation on Maui, one of several tropical islands in the State of Hawaii (USA). Let us take you back to Day 1 when all of these tragic wildfires began and how they have transformed people’s lives, from those who have traveled there as tourists, to the first responders who began battling the firestorms to those during recovery efforts.

OPERATIONAL TIME PERIODS

Day 1: August 8, 2023, Tuesday

  • The County EOC activated on August 8, 2023, as more wildfires were beginning to spark, the growing number of evacuation orders issued by Fire Officials and danger to the public appeared to be escalating and it was more than time for their Operations Team to move into position.
  • At 1750 hours, Officials indicated that multiple structures had burned with several mandatory evacuation orders in effect.
  • 100 firefighters and 11 airport firefighters continue to battle the wildfires over the next course of days.
  • 1 firefighter injury (smoke inhalation). Taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

Day 2: August 9, 2023, Wednesday

  • Mayor Bissen issues Emergency Proclamation.
  • Red Cross opens the Maui High School as an evacuation center for those in the Wahikuli area.
  • The Coast Guard responds to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions.
  • The County requests National Guard support.
  • The Lahaina Civic Center is evacuated and is moved to Maui Preparatory in Napili-Honokowawi. Kihei Community is evacuated and moved to Maui HS as a precaution.
  • 9-1-1 emergency communications are out in West Maui.
  • Maui Bus and Human Service Transportation services are suspended.
  • The high-wind warning is canceled on Tuesday morning by the NWS.
  • The Kahului Airport shelters 2,000 travelers from canceled flights and arrivals.
  • Federal teams arrive to assist with SAR operations.
  • Massive bus evacuation of visitors stages at the Sheraton Maui Resort, five County buses, and five Polynesian Adventure Tour buses are taking those out of West Maui and Lahaina.
  • U.S. Coast Guard rescues 14 people off of the Oceans.
  • The town, Harbor, and surrounding areas have widespread damage. Loss of cell phones and landline phones occurred.

Day 3: August 10, 2023, Thursday

The amount of damage and destruction is insurmountable and so surreal, for this once tropical paradise. (Photo Credit: County of Maui)

  • Hawai’i Community Foundation and Maui United Way team up to accept monetary donations to benefit Maui residents impacted by wildfires. http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
  • US Army members have arrived and are assisting with SAR recovery efforts.
  • 2,100 are in overnight shelters on August 9, 2023.
  • 2 add’l shelters are open in Central Maui: King’s Cathedral, 777 Maui Veteran’s Highway, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Maui Lani, at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway, both in Kahului.

Day 4: August 11, 2023, Friday

  • 67 confirmed fatalities.
  • Lahaina Fire is 85% contained.
  • Puelhu/Kihei Fire is 80% contained.
  • Upcountry Maui Fire is 50% contained.
  • FEMA USAR teams from Arizona and Nevada with 5 Dog Teams are deployed to the Island.
  • Barricades and heavy Police presence continue around the town of Lahaina.
  • People are told to continue wearing masks and gloves as the burning debris in various areas is highly toxic.
  • Limited cell service and Officials are asking people to text not make calls due to the need to be shared.
  • Shuttles are being used to move people and supplies to their intended destinations.

Day 5: August 12, 2023, Saturday

  • Firefighters still battling the blazes and hot spots.
  • Fatalities increased to 80.
  • Kaanapali Fire reported 8/11/2023 at 1810 is now 100%. This was in an area where the County set up a fueling station on Friday to distribute an estimated 3,000 gallons of gas and 500 gallons of diesel for an estimated 400 acres. No fuel was distributed on Saturday.
  • Distribution of food, non-perishables, bottled water, and hygiene supplies were handed out by volunteers.
  • About 1,418 people were in overnight shelters.
  • Additional cell service was going back online in the West Maui area.
  • 600 vehicles and more than 1,000 people received aid.
  • About 10 shipping containers full of supplies have been distributed among two sites.

(L) The Lahaina Fire photo taken on August 10, 2023, shows brand new low-income housing just celebrated its December 2022 Grand Opening, the Kaiaulu o Kupuohi Apartments.

Photo Credit: County of Maui

Day 6: August 13, 2023 – Sunday

  • West Maui: 2 fueling sites have been restored.
  • Hawaiian Electric: Has restored power to the Shell in Kahana Gateway and Ohana Fuels off Keawe Street in Lahaina.
  • Upcountry Fire: 3 structures in Olinda and 16 in Kula were destroyed.
  • 93 confirmed deaths.
  • Maui HS shelter is moved to South Maui Gym in Kihei.
  • Kaiser Permanente outpatient clinics are operating.
  • Two donated Wi-Fi trucks are in operation for those to charge their cell phones. It’s a free service to the public.

Day 7: August 13, 2023, Sunday

  • No media is allowed access to emergency shelters.
  • Oprah and her crew were turned away at one emergency shelter.

RESOURCES / INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Fire Agencies: Napili FD, Kihei FD. Kula FD. Makawao FD, Kahului FD. Wailea FD, State DLNR, DOFW crews, Engines, Honolulu FD, IMT.

Government Agencies: County of Maui, Hawaii State National Guard, US Coast Guard, Mayor, State Governor, White House, FEMA, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Army.

Incident Cooperators: Goodfellow Bros, Haleakala Ranch, Kaonoulu Ranch, Kaupo Ranch, Windward Aviation.

Infrastructure: Hawaiian Electric Company.

Humanitarian/Shelters: American Red Cross.

Photo Credit: County of Maui

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

According to the PDC | Global and MEMA, the numbers do not lie and this is going to be an event that will never be forgotten and a long journey to recovery.

  • Structures exposed to the fire: 2,719
  • Damaged: 2,207
  • Acres: 2,170
  • CTD: $5.52 Billion

Estimated Building Exposure:

  • Residential: 86%
  • Commercial: 9%
  • Educational: 2.4%
  • Industrial: 1%
  • Assembly: 0.5%
  • Ag: 0.4%
  • Government: 0.1%
  • Unclassified: 1.1%

ABOUT MAUI

Maui, is the second largest island of the islands in the State of Hawaii (USA), which is about 727.2 square miles and the 17th largest in the United States. The County of Maui consists of the Island Maui and several others.

There are 14 Fire Stations on the island which are located in Hana, Hoolehua, Kahulu, Kaunakakai, Kihei, Kula, Lahaina, Lanai, Makawao, Napili, Paia, Pukoo, Wailea and Wailuku. Some of these locations are in the area where the fire were and we are unsure of the status of their buildings and equipment.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog