US President Joe Biden has directed federal agencies to join the response to wildfires burning on Hawaii’s islands. In a statement from the White House, the president emphasized that existing federal entities on the islands will be mobilized to help manage the emergency and support local authorities.
The president specified that teams from the National Guard, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and portions of the U.S. Navy’s Third Fleet will be deployed to combat the fires and carry out search and rescue operations where needed. This integrated effort reflects the government’s commitment to rapid, coordinated action in the face of a natural disaster that has heavily impacted communities across Maui and the Big Island.
The fires have already claimed the lives of at least six individuals, and hundreds of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes to seek safety elsewhere. Local officials have stressed the urgency of the emergency, with residents reporting that fire lines have moved close to some neighborhoods and that roadways have been shut down to facilitate emergency response and protect public safety.
On Maui, authorities have faced substantial communication challenges. Reports indicate that cellular networks have been unreliable in several affected areas, complicating residents’ attempts to contact emergency services and receive timely updates. In parallel, emergency crews have been working to establish shelters, deliver essential supplies, and coordinate evacuation routes to minimize risk for those in high-threat zones.
Additionally, prior events in Hawaii included a reported explosion tied to the ongoing fire situation, underscoring the scale and volatility of the crisis. local officials and federal partners remain focused on containment, rescue, and recovery operations as conditions evolve.
Across the islands, the response strategy centers on rapid deployment of trained personnel and equipment, interagency coordination, and clear lines of communication between federal, state, and local authorities. As the situation develops, the national response aims to stabilize affected communities, restore critical services, and prevent further loss of life and property.