In an effort to provide swift action to support the response to the deadly wildfires in Hawaii, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of urban search and rescue resources and personnel to assist in the coordination and support of emergency operations in the most affected areas.
Newsom ordered his Office of Emergency Services ?Cal OES? to deploy 11 members of the Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces ?US&R? of California to assist in recovery operations and the search for survivors.
In addition, six Cal OES state staff members who specialize in urban search and rescue, mass casualty management, wildfire debris removal, hazardous waste, and other recovery areas, have been deployed to provide technical expertise to facility managers. field emergencies.
"California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians in the midst of these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic town of L?hain?" Governor Newsom said.
“Californians know firsthand the devastating cost of catastrophic climate change-driven wildfires, capable of wiping out entire communities and centuries of irreplaceable history and heritage. Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need."
The governor spoke with his Hawaii counterpart, Josh Green, on Wednesday to discuss supporting the state as it responds to and recovers from the devastating wildfires.
Specialized team members deployed to Hawaii are drawn from US&R federal and state task forces in California, including local government firefighting personnel from Oakland, Sacramento and Riverside counties.
Until the early hours of this Saturday, authorities in Hawaii raised the number of deaths in the registered fires to 80.
He specified that Firefighters continue to work to extinguish outbreaks and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui.
Similarly, as of yesterday, a total of 1,418 people were in emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church.
Maui authorities reported that the Lahaina City Historic Burn Area remains on lockdown, and people are being warned to stay out of the area due to hazards, including toxic particles from burning areas, in addition to recommending the use mask and gloves.
According to the Pacific Disaster Center ?PDC, for its acronym in English? As of August 11, 2023, damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire have resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 exposed structures; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. 86 percent of the buildings exposed to fire were classified as residential.
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