The screenshot taken from the live streaming of CBS News on Aug. 9, 2023 shows that wildfires have prompted mass evacuation in Hawaii, the United States. (Xinhua)
Multiple wildfires have burned hundreds of acres on Hawaii Island and Maui island, demolishing homes and forcing thousands of people to evacuate.
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Dangerous hurricane-driven wildfires are burning on two major islands in U.S. state of Hawaii, prompting Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke to declare a state of emergency.
Luke, who is acting as the governor as Hawaii Governor Josh Green travels out of the state, on Tuesday afternoon issued an emergency proclamation relating to wildfires in Maui and Hawaii Counties that are being fueled by Hurricane Dora, churning far south of the islands.
"We are closely following the wildfires caused by the strong winds of Hurricane Dora," said the lieutenant governor in a statement.
"The safety of our residents is paramount, and this emergency proclamation will activate the Hawaii National Guard to support emergency responders in the impacted communities," she noted.
Officials said that Hawaii national guardsmen have been activated and are currently on Maui assisting Maui Police Department at traffic control points and more guardsmen will be supporting Maui and Hawaii Counties on Wednesday.
Multiple wildfires have burned hundreds of acres on Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, and Maui island, the largest and the second largest of the Hawaiian islands, respectively. The wildfires have burned homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate.
With the exception of one school, all other public schools on Maui will be closed on Wednesday due to the ongoing wildfires and evacuations on the island.
Local news outlet Hawaii News Now reported on Wednesday that much of historic Lahaina town, one of the most visited spots in Maui, "believed destroyed as huge wildfire sends people fleeing into water." ■
