Wildfires have been burning across Hawaii on Wednesday, caused by strong winds from a nearby hurricane and dry conditions, leaving large parts of the state evacuating.
According to NBC News, the Coast Guard told the media outlet that it rescued people from the ocean near Lahaina, Maui, as they went into the water to escape the fast-moving fire.
Lahaina’s historic downtown area was partially destroyed by the fire, according to reports from Hawaii News Now and others.
An emergency proclamation has been made by acting Gov. Sylvia Luke, as she said the blaze left “hundreds” of acres of land left in ashes, as well as forced several schools and roads to close down.
The Hawaiian National Guard has been authorized to aid authorities with disaster relief.
According to the Governor’s office, Luke has stepped in for Gov. Josh Green, who has been traveling and was scheduled to return on Aug. 15.
“Lieutenant Governor Luke has my full support,” Green said in a release. “My thoughts are with the residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Dora.”
Currently, evacuations are underway in three major areas in the state, Lahaina, Kula, and Kohala Ranch.
The proclamation says that the fires have started to affect and threaten the health and welfare of “a substantial number of persons.”
The hurricane that played a role in the fires was Hurricane Dora, which is not expected to make landfall in the Pacific state, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The islands have still seen damage caused by the storm, as strong winds resulted in downed trees and powerlines.
The American Red Cross shared on social media that shelters are up across the state to help those in need.
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