Hawaii: Maui Island Fire Kills 6; Hundreds of Homes Possibly Destroyed
Authorities in Hawaii are grappling with uncertainty over the cause of the ongoing Maui Island fire. This devastating fire resulted in six fatalities and led to the evacuation of thousands of individuals. PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images

A wind-driven wildfire on Hawaii's Maui Island has tragically claimed the lives of at least six individuals, as announced by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr, CBS News reports.

The fast-moving fires have ravaged the area, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation. Mayor Bissen Jr. expressed uncertainty regarding the final toll, given the ongoing rescue efforts and the potential for further developments.

The circumstances surrounding the fatalities have not been disclosed. Mayor Bissen Jr. confirmed the death toll before addressing the media and other officials.

Several individuals remain unaccounted for, potentially including those in vehicles who have not sought refuge in shelters.

More than 2,100 people have sought shelter in the five shelters that have been established on the island. The fires have also led to power outages in certain areas, affecting shelters and local hotels.

Acting Governor Sylvia Luke informed reporters that certain shelters had become overcrowded. It discouraged incoming tourists from traveling to the island.

The situation has forced some individuals to seek refuge in the ocean to escape the encroaching flames and smoke.

The Coast Guard reported rescuing a dozen individuals in Lahaina who had taken to the water as a means of escape, while local hospitals have begun treating burn patients.

What Started Maui Island Fires?

The ignition source of the Maui Island fires remains uncertain, per USA TODAY.

The increase in wildfires in Hawaii over recent decades has been attributed, in part, to nonnative grasslands introduced by various groups, including plantations and ranchers unfamiliar with the native ecosystems.

Dry and fire-prone, these grasses have contributed to more extensive and intense fires in the region.

Factors such as high winds and low humidity likely exacerbated the fires' spread, but specific details remain limited, according to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, the commander general of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

The National Weather Service had alerted authorities to the elevated fire risk due to prolonged dry conditions.

The powerful winds accompanying Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm in the Pacific Ocean, significantly contributed to the fires' progression, resulting in gusts of up to 60 miles per hour that damaged homes and knocked out power.

President Joe Biden Sends Military To Help With Hawaii's Maui Island Fires

In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden issued a statement in which he authorized the deployment of "all available Federal assets" to combat the devastating Maui Island fires, according to AP.

The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines are assisting with response and rescue efforts, with the Marines contributing Black Hawk helicopters for fire suppression.

The Hawaii National Guard has also activated Chinook helicopters to aid firefighting, search, and rescue operations.

The Transportation Department is collaborating with commercial airlines to evacuate tourists from the island.

At the same time, the Interior and Agriculture departments stand ready to support post-fire recovery endeavors.

President Biden extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed gratitude for the courage firefighters, and first responders had to confront the crisis head-on.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Deadly wildfires burning parts of the Hawaiian island of Maui, evacuations in place - From KREM 2 News