The death toll from Hawaii’s wildfires has risen to 59, a figure reported by Governor Josh Green and noted by CNN. Officials caution that the total is likely to climb as investigators continue gathering information from affected neighborhoods and communities across Maui.
Green emphasized that all confirmed fatalities occurred during escape attempts rather than from injuries inside buildings. The update highlights the perilous conditions residents faced as flames moved toward more homes and streets along Maui, underscoring the ongoing danger in the area.
Earlier updates described hundreds of residents being evacuated to safety and several road closures in parts of Maui where fires had started. Authorities ordered these precautions because the fires approached residential zones and posed risks to lives and property.
Communication problems on the island have hindered some residents from reaching emergency services, complicating rescue operations and the dissemination of alerts during the crisis.
Green warned that the final death toll could exceed 60 as search and recovery work continues in affected neighborhoods and across the island. Emergency crews remain in the field, assessing damage and coordinating aid for survivors amid the widespread devastation.
Representatives of the Russian Embassy in the United States stated they are prepared to assist Russian citizens who were in Maui during the fires. The mission said it is actively monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support as needed.
In earlier remarks, Green described Lahaina as deeply devastated, noting that a large portion of this historic Maui town had suffered severe damage or was burned. Lahaina, once a royal capital of Hawaii, has been a focal point in assessments of the disaster and the challenges ahead for recovery efforts. [citation]