 Wildfires have absolutely devastated Hawaii – and they've continued to spread across multiple areas of the US state. Flames first engulfed the island of Maui on Tuesday and an inferno raged for hours on end, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. At least 36 people have been killed in Lahaina and the historic town – a tourist hotspot dating back to the 1700s – is now almost completely burnt to the ground. Children were among those fleeing into the Pacific Ocean in a desperate attempt to escape the apocalyptic scenes on the west coast of Maui County. Amid an emergency evacuation, debris swirled, buildings exploded and flames tore through homes, fuelled by strong gusts of up to 85mph from Hurricane Dora to the south. Dozens more have been injured in the catastrophe and Hawaian leaders said the state remains in crisis mode with more than 11,400 tourists evacuated to nearby islands. 'The whole town was decimated,' said lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke. 'This is a really tragic moment, for not just Maui County, not just the people of Maui, it's for the entire state.' Hawaii wildfires map: The areas currently affected The island of Maui has suffered the most with fatalities and destruction, while wildfires have also been reported on the Island of Hawaii but there has not been any damage to property or people injured (Picture: Metro.co.uk) Maui is the worst-affected with wildfires burning predominantly on the west of the island in Lahaina, Kaanapali, Pulehu and Upcountry. Wildfires have also been reported on the Island of Hawaii, nicknamed The Big Island, near Kohala and Kona towards the north west. The Big Island's mayor Mitch Roth said there had been no reports of injuries or destroyed homes there. However, firefighters have extinguished some roof fires and there were continuing flareups of one fire near the Maun){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Wildfires have absolutely devastated Hawaii – and they’ve continued to spread across multiple areas of the US state.
Flames first engulfed the island of Maui on Tuesday and an inferno raged for hours on end, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
At least 36 people have been killed in Lahaina and the historic town – a tourist hotspot dating back to the 1700s – is now almost completely burnt to the ground.
Children were among those fleeing into the Pacific Ocean in a desperate attempt to escape the apocalyptic scenes on the west coast of Maui County.