Thousands of Hawaii residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island, destroying parts of a centuries-old town and killing at least 36 people.
The fire left behind burned-out cars on once busy streets and smoking piles of rubble where historic buildings had stood in Lahaina Town. Crews battled blazes in several places on the island Wednesday, and the flames forced some adults and children to flee into the ocean.
At least 36 people have died, according to a statement from Maui County late Wednesday that said no other details were available. Officials said earlier that 271 structures were damaged or destroyed and dozens of people injured.
AM Best lists the top homeowners multi-peril insurers in Hawaii as of 2022 as State Farm with 35% of market share and $162 million in direct premiums written. Other top writers are Tokio Marine U.S. PC Group (12% market share), Allstate Insurance Group (8%), USAA Group (7%) and Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies (6%).
Tourists were advised to stay away, and about 11,000 visitors flew out of Maui on Wednesday, with at least another 1,500 expected to leave Thursday, according to Ed Sniffen, state transportation director.
The fires were whipped by strong winds from Hurricane Dora passing far to the south.
Related:
Topics Hawaii
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Kellogg’s ‘Woke’ Workplace Diversity Programs Are Illegal, Group Claims 
Political Violence in Polarized US at Its Worst Since 1970s 
Kemper Exits Preferred Home and Auto Business Immediately 
Divers Find 32 Cars Submerged in Lake Near Miami 
