Hawaii Wildfire Update: Maps Show Where Maui Fire Spread, Is Contained

NASA satellite images show the damage of wildfires in Hawaii that have taken a toll on various parts of Maui this week, as weather agencies say aggressive winds are expected to diminish throughout Thursday into Friday. Strong winds emanating from Hurricane Dora have helped spread fires, notably in the heart of Maui and the historic town of Lahaina, where at least six people have died, dozens have been injured and others have been described as missing, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said during a Wednesday press conference. Strong wind gusts that hit about 80 mph at their peak have led to limited or completely debilitated cell service in certain areas. The effects have further complicated rescue efforts as hospitals continue to be overrun and some shelter sites reached capacity earlier this week. The County of Maui posted on X, formerly Twitter, that two additional shelters have opened in Central Maui, while residents and visitors in West Maui are being transported to Kahului Airport or other shelters. The airport has sheltered locals and people who had flown in and required evacuation or had nowhere to go after the fires escalated. Hawaii Wildfire Maps Show Where Fire Spread A Maxar satellite image shows total destruction of the Lahaina square and outlets after the Lahaina Wildfire, with one building still burning. Weather patterns are expected to calm Thursday and Friday, according to the National... More 2023 MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/GETTY The office of Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced on Wednesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the state's disaster declaration, which could lead to up to 75 percent of eligible firefighting costs being reimbursed by the federal government. Along with Lahaina, fires continue to burn in Kula and Kīhei. They began early Tuesday and have directly affected more than 35,000 people, in addition to homes, businesses and utilities. But there may be some reprieve in terms of the inclement weather people in Maui have experienced. The Maui County Emergency Management Agency posted Thursday on social media that a wind advisory affecting portions of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and Big Island has been canceled, citing winds dropping below National Weather Service (NWS) thresholds. A spokesperson from the NWS' Honolulu office told Newsweek via phone on Thursday morning that the high pressure in the north is weakening, resulting in more moderate trade winds into early next week described as a typical dry summer pattern.