Wildfire has engulfed businesses on Front Street in downtown Lahaina in West Maui, home to 12,000 people.
The county also confirmed it was requesting Hawaii National Guard support to respond to the ongoing fire threat, including in Lahaina.
“The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions,” the county said, in a news release about 10 p.m. Tuesday.
“Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas.”
Terrified people are fleeing into the sea as brutal wildfires and Hurricane Dora tear through the island of Hawaii today, sparking apocalyptic scenes.
Multiple evacuations are taking place across the islands in the popular tourist area in a situation described as “very chaotic” by the local government of Maui County in the US state. Several fires have destroyed homes and buildings across Maui and Lahaina and terrifying images and footage show winds battering the island as families flee in cars.
Trapped people are reportedly fleeing into the ocean. The US Coast Guard has rescued 12 people from the waters off Lahaina and has despatched boat and helicopter rescue crews to the islands.
Acting Governor Sylvia Luke has issued an emergency proclamation and activated the Hawaii National Guard. Local authorities say “multiple structures” have been burnt and power lines down as flames are fuelled by strong winds from Dora.
Officials also confirmed that a firefighter in West Maui suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition.
Earlier in the evening, authorities confirmed mandatory evacuations were ordered for residents living on Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, and Lahaina Bypass.
Then at about 9:30 p.m., Maui County issued the following statement: “Multiple road closures in Lahaina town. Do NOT go to Lahaina town.”
HNN has reached out to the Coast Guard and other emergency agencies for more details…
