Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that California would be deploying resources and urban search and rescue teams to assist in the wildfire response in Hawaii. ( Video above: American Red Cross sending team to Maui. Here’s how you can help)Eleven members of California’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces are set to aid in recovery operations and the search for survivors.“Californians know firsthand the devastating toll of catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change, 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,” Newsom said in a statement. | MORE | Maui surveys the burned wreckage caused by the deadliest US wildfire in yearsFueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started Tuesday and took the island by surprise, racing through parched growth and neighborhoods in the historic town of Lahaina, a tourist destination that dates to the 1700s and is the biggest community on the island’s west side.Maui County said late Wednesday that at least 36 people had died, making it the deadliest U.S. blaze since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. The Hawaii toll could rise, though, as rescuers reach parts of the island that had been unreachable due to ongoing fires or obstructions. Officials said earlier Wednesday that 271 structures had been damaged or destroyed and that dozens of people had been injured.Major disaster declaration approved for HawaiiPresident Joe Biden on Thursday approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaii, which can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-interest loans for those who were impacted in Maui County. Individuals and business owners can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday that California would be deploying resources and urban search and rescue teams to assist in the wildfire response in Hawaii.
( Video above: American Red Cross sending team to Maui. Here’s how you can help)
Eleven members of California’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces are set to aid in recovery operations and the search for survivors.
“Californians know firsthand the devastating toll of catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change, 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,” Newsom said in a statement.
| MORE | Maui surveys the burned wreckage caused by the deadliest US wildfire in years
Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started Tuesday and took the island by surprise, racing through parched growth and neighborhoods in the historic town of Lahaina, a tourist destination that dates to the 1700s and is the biggest community on the island’s west side.
Maui County said late Wednesday that at least 36 people had died, making it the deadliest U.S. blaze since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. The Hawaii toll could rise, though, as rescuers reach parts of the island that had been unreachable due to ongoing fires or obstructions. Officials said earlier Wednesday that 271 structures had been damaged or destroyed and that dozens of people had been injured.
Major disaster declaration approved for Hawaii
President Joe Biden on Thursday approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaii, which can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-interest loans for those who were impacted in Maui County.
Individuals and business owners can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.
