Review on Maui fire: Emergency sirens weren’t turned on before the fatal blaze

Crews are making headway in their fight to put out the fire that has killed at least 67 people and destroyed Lahaina while searching for the missing. NBC News is on the scene documenting the destruction.

According to emergency officials, Maui’s warning sirens did not sound as devastating wildfires approached the town of Lahaina. According to the Hawaii Emergency Services Administration, three additional alert systems have been put into place. (Photo: Arizona’s Family)

Upcountry Maui fire is 50% contained

A report from NBC News said that the number of people killed in the Maui wildfires increased to 67 on Friday as some locals were permitted to move back to West Maui following the tragedy.

However, a fire in West Maui on Friday forced inhabitants of Kaanapali, which has a population of about 1,100, to leave, Maui County police reported on Friday night.

On Maui, three flames have been raging. According to the County of Maui, containment of the Lahaina fire, which engulfed the town by the same name and caused extensive damage, improved slightly to 85%.

The Upcountry Maui fire is 50% contained, and the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 80% contained.

According to emergency officials, Maui’s warning sirens did not sound as devastating wildfires approached the town of Lahaina. According to the Hawaii Emergency Services Administration, three additional alert systems have been put into place.

In what has now become one of Hawaii’s worst natural disasters, some survivors think they were not adequately notified through emergency notifications as the crisis worsened, contributing to the chaos.

Some locals had the opportunity to examine the devastation and what little was left of their houses.

It’s a battle zone, according to Kimo Kirkman, who returned to retrieve the corpses of their two dogs and cat.

READ ALSO: Wildfires In Hawaii Left 80 Dead Marking Deadliest Natural Disaster In State’s History As Death Toll Still Rises

Worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s state history

Others continue to be in the dark on the whereabouts of their loved ones and kin. As additional corpses are discovered in the town’s rubble, the death toll—which is now unknown—could rise.

On Saturday, it’s anticipated that Gov. Josh Green and other officials would give another update on the crisis, which he has stated will likely be the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s state history.

Scientists across the United States have started to assess the plants and animals that have been lost to the flames as Hawaii continues its efforts to suppress wildfires across the Big Island and Maui as a rising death toll leaves inhabitants in shock.

Despite making up less than 1% of the nation’s geographical area, Hawaii is home to 44% of the nation’s vulnerable and endangered plant species. Wildfires of this size can cause some native plants to eventually recover, but others will certainly be charred beyond repair, according to experts. Scientists worry that a large amount has been lost despite the lack of precise data on what has been lost, reports Arizona’s Family. 

READ ALSO: Wildfires In Hawaii Left Thousands Missing, At Least 55 Dead As Death Toll Still Continues To Rise