Footage From Maui Fires Is Devastating
Wildfires are currently wreaking havoc on several Hawaiian islands, and the footage looks absolutely terrifying. Nowhere has been harder hit than the island of Maui, where Old Lahaina and the popular Front Street have been hit especially hard. The Maui Invitational — college basketball‘s best preseason tournament — is hosted at the Lahaina Civic center, a few miles from Front Street.
What follows is footage of the fires.
Here’s a shot of Front Street, a popular area in the heat of Lahaina that is usually packed with tourists:
BREAKING: Popular ‘Front Street’ is on fire in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii, where, authorities said, people jumped into the water to escape flames and smoke from a wind-fueled wildfire. pic.twitter.com/vPRXufhbHc
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 9, 2023
A few other shots of Lahaina:
This is Front Street, Lahaina on Maui. What was known as a popular tourist destination is currently turning to ash. My family, my friends and my small island community in turmoil, heartbreak and danger as the rest of us helplessly watch. video credit: Joyce C. pic.twitter.com/G7A52MMEYo
— jes (@jesadreamer) August 9, 2023
Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people.
The Coast Guard is responding to people who were forced to go into the ocean due to the flames.
Video credit to Alan Dickar, a local resident of Lahaina. pic.twitter.com/8uiyHQP55B
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
The scene in Lahaina, Maui this morning is absolutely devastating.
The entire town is being destroyed by an intense wildfire, forcing residents to sheek shelter in the ocean.
Make no mistake, climate change is making scenes like this more frequent. pic.twitter.com/dttFnAwEeJ
— Edgar McGregor (@edgarrmcgregor) August 9, 2023
So basically the entire island is on fire. Somehow where I am, the driest part of the island, has been so far spared.
This is Lahaina town, the popular tourist town on the island. (Not my video.) Apartments and stores have burned down. pic.twitter.com/msvj6lPgIg
— Shayla Maddox ??️ (@shaylamaddox) August 9, 2023
As part of the destruction, the enormous, world-famous Lahaina Banyan Tree has been destroyed:
Heartbreaking to believe the Lahaina Banyan Tree is no longer standing. I took this video under it’s leaves while visiting my father in law there two summers ago. Please hold the people of Maui in your hearts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hXxTDNBP2X
— Amalia (@zombalia) August 9, 2023
The insanely high winds can be seen in this footage, they were responsible for the speed of the fire’s devastation:
Extremely dangerous wildfire situation is ongoing in West Maui as strong winds up to 60 mph are pushing flames toward populated areas in and around Lahaina.
pic.twitter.com/YxRvQp7AxI— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) August 9, 2023
Even the resorts weren’t spared:
Lahaina beach resort. Just evacuated. #maui pic.twitter.com/tPynPdmjqs
— Bridgette (@ocgirl83) August 9, 2023
Residents attempting to flee were nearly caught in the fires:
Fleeing the wildfires in Maui. ? pic.twitter.com/lzJsiVp0O2
— StrictlyChristo ??? (@StrictlyChristo) August 9, 2023
Just horrible:
Holding Maui in my thoughts as devastating wildfires ravage the island, leading to necessary evacuations. Stay safe, Maui. Our hearts are with you. ??? pic.twitter.com/wS1LPb0g0O
— Kenny Akers (@KeneAkers) August 9, 2023
An aerial shot from the morning looks awful:
BREAKING: Aerial view from Lahaina, Maui in Hawaii shows extremely devastating scenes, majority of structures destroyed by apocalyptic wildfires pic.twitter.com/kBhoI5kv02
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 9, 2023
It goes without saying that our thoughts are with everyone on Maui. Speaking as someone who has covered the Maui Invitational six times and been to the island about a dozen, this is awful to watch. It’s such a beautiful place with wonderful people.
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