US President Joe Biden, Thursday, declared Hawaii a disaster area after the recent fires, according to Sky News.
At least 36 people died in the Lahaina fire in Hawaii, the County of Maui wrote in a statement posted on the county’s website Wednesday evening.
Wildfires have destroyed or damaged more than 200 buildings and forced thousands to evacuate. And around wildfire races through part of Maui, Hawaii, destroying parts of a historic town on the island and forcing some to flee to the relative safety of the ocean, where they are rescued by the Coast Guard.
The fires forced the evacuation of some areas, including the popular tourist area of Lahaina.
The National Weather Service says Hurricane Dora, which is passing south of the island chain at a safe distance, was partly responsible for strong winds that stirred the flames, knocking out power and halting firefighting helicopters.
President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for Hawaii, paving the way for federal aid to help the state recover from the devastating wildfires in Maui.
Maui officials say wildfires in the historic city have burned parts of one of its most popular tourist spots. in Hawaii.
The fire has spread throughout Lahaina including Front Street, an area of the town popular with tourists, said Maui County spokeswoman Mahina Martin, in a phone interview early Wednesday.
