Maui Hawaii Wildfires, 97 dead, Aug 2023

DNA Solves
DNA Solves
DNA Solves

New Posts

Gemmie said:
I have a stupid (and hopefully not insensitive) question. Can they get DNA from those... 'areas' (near-total cremation as you said) to try to identify who they might be? I'm thinking family would really like closure.
Click to expand...
www.staradvertiser.com

Maui families provide DNA to help ID remains of fire victims

KAHULUI >> The death toll from the Lahaina fire — America’s deadliest in a century — was at 96 on Sunday while families visited a newly created Maui County Family Assistance Center to help document the missing and provide DNA mouth swabs to identify the dead.
www.staradvertiser.com www.staradvertiser.com

The article also mentions that there is a very popular and well-known social media site that has a page that lists the names of over 700 people who are still listed as "Not Located."
 
airportwoman said:
Buying stuff that is already there (like at the Walmart in Kahului; I normally boycott Walmart but it's the best they've got for now) would stimulate the economy.

I heard on NPR that rescuers are finding bodies that were near-total cremation, and may not even be able to use dental records to positively identify them. I have a feeling this is going to be like 9/11, and some people's bodies have simply disappeared.
Click to expand...

That happened in the Paradise Fire, California, as well. In the end, they had to go by the addresses vs. the still missing list.

I pray for solace for all the families who lost loved ones, for the lost community itself, and for the healing that only time can bring.
 
Gemmie said:
I have a stupid (and hopefully not insensitive) question. Can they get DNA from those... 'areas' (near-total cremation as you said) to try to identify who they might be? I'm thinking family would really like closure.
Click to expand...

Sometimes, the answer is "no," when it comes to fires/cremation. There's DNA in the interior of teeth, but if even the teeth are burned to the point that dental analysis is impossible, there will be no DNA.

IMO.

I don't think it's insensitive, here on WS, to speak about these aspects of this terrible situation. I am partly shocked to hear that 700 are still missing, but also not so shocked. These wind-driven wildfires are indeed almost like bombs.
 
MOO, this is the result when political hacks are promoted to positions of authority, when their only qualifications for the position is their ability to be toadys.

We saw this very clearly during Hurricane Katrina, when the director of FEMA, a political appointee was eating dinner with friends, and enjoying a weekend in Cape Cod, when he should have been in DC organizing a response.

I don't know the people involved here, but I hazard a guess, that not one of them has ever bothered to even have training in wildland fire situations. Nor has anyone in supervision bothered to suggest it. And no one who was supposedly in charge will probably lose their job. Government.
 
More sad news.

A Maui fire authorities "deemed to be out" roared to back to life last week, fueling the inferno that claimed at least 96 lives in this historic oceanside town, Gov. Josh Green said late Sunday.

[...]

"It must have not been completely extinguished," Green said, adding flames were then fanned by winds of up to 81 mph. “With those kinds of winds and 1,000-degree temperatures, ultimately all the pictures that you will see will be easy to understand."

Green said the "fire hurricane," which he said was new in the age of global warming, was the "ultimate reason" the death toll was so high.

[...]

Some firefighters battling to halt the spread of the Lahaina fire found fire hydrants began to run dry, the New York Times reported. As the fire grew, water pressure faded and some hydrants became "largely useless," the Times reported.

The Maui Department of Water Supply did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. John Stufflebean, head of the agency, warned people in Lahaina not to drink water even after boiling it until further notice because hundreds of pipes have been damaged by the wildfires.

 

Glad to hear the animals haven't been left out!​

How to help victims in the Maui wildfires in Hawaii - USA Today compiled resources for Americans from near and afar to help the people and animals in Hawaii.​


www.usatoday.com

Death toll is climbing: How to help victims in the Maui wildfires in Hawaii

Several shelters in Maui and the Big Island are open to assist those on the islands and several local organizations are collecting donations.
www.usatoday.com
 
I think some heads will roll after this (BBM):

Four days before fast-moving brush fires engulfed parts of Maui, weather forecasters warned authorities that powerful wind gusts would trigger dangerous fire conditions across much of the island and Hawaii.

The state’s electric utility responded with some preemptive steps but did not use what is widely regarded as the most aggressive but effective safety measure: shutting down the power.

Hawaiian Electric, the utility that oversees Maui Electric and provides service to 95 percent of the state’s residents, did not deploy what’s known as a “public power shutoff plan,” which involves intentionally cutting off electricity to areas where big wind events could spark fires. A number of states, including California, have increasingly adopted this safety strategy after what were then the nation’s most destructive and deadliest modern fires, in 2017 and 2018.

 
This is not Maui but I found this when looking for Maui fire updates. It's apparently the deadlies fire ever in the U.S.(up to 2500 people) and sadly I've never even heard of it. I'm sure some of you have though.
It gives me a knot in my stomach thinking of what the death toll in Maui may be. :(
www.history.com

How the 1871 Peshtigo Fire Became America’s Deadliest Wildfire | HISTORY

In 1871, the Wisconsin town of Peshtigo burned to the ground, killing up to 2,500. But due to another event at the time, many have never heard about the disaster.
www.history.com www.history.com
 
The ocean, a lake or a swimming pool might seem like a safe haven when you’re trying to escape a raging fire. But, experts say jumping into a body of water isn’t always your best chance for survival.
(…)
“You probably won’t get burned, but that’s not what’s going to kill you,” said Carl Otsuka, fire inspector for the Honolulu Fire Department. “It’s the smoke that’s going to kill you.”

Otsuka said that if the roads are blocked, you should grab a bicycle or do whatever you can to get away. Try to relocate uphill, upwind, to get away from the billowing smoke, he said.
(…)
“People don’t realize how long you’re going to be in the water,” Kolden said. “Hypothermia and risk of drowning due to not being able to swim or tread water for that long are very real possibilities.”

The flames may run out of fuel, but the smoke will linger.
“You literally can’t see anything, so you don’t know if it’s safe to get out yet,” Kolden said.
(…)
In Paradise, Calif., people survived one of the most destructive fires in the state’s history by huddling together in the middle of “this giant asphalt parking lot” outside of a grocery store, Kolden said.
“So, I look for places like that,” Kolden said. “What is the place that is close by that I know won’t catch on fire?”
 
People returning to Lahaina will require placards to prove they are residents. To obtain a placard they need ID proof, Drivers License, or if not that, a utility bill or the like with the address. Well, what if survivers don't have any of that while escaping with their lives? Who grabs a utility bill?

Also in the news update video here, apparently the fire hydrants were running out of water and pressure while firefighters were trying to put out the fires.

The fire in Kula is not yet contained...60 %.

www.hawaiinewsnow.com

‘We are mourning’: Agencies pledge more disaster aid as Maui death toll rises to 96

The wildfire is now the deadliest in the US in more than a century.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com www.hawaiinewsnow.com
 
whitelilac said:
People returning to Lahaina will require placards to prove they are residents. To obtain a placard they need ID proof, Drivers License, or if not that, a utility bill or the like with the address. Well, what if survivers don't have any of that while escaping with their lives? Who grabs a utility bill?

Also in the news update video here, apparently the fire hydrants were running out of water and pressure while firefighters were trying to put out the fires.

The fire in Kula is not yet contained...60 %.

www.hawaiinewsnow.com

‘We are mourning’: Agencies pledge more disaster aid as Maui death toll rises to 96

The wildfire is now the deadliest in the US in more than a century.
www.hawaiinewsnow.com www.hawaiinewsnow.com
Click to expand...

There are several help points outside of West Maui (libraries, schools, DMV) where people can go and print out a utility bill. Most people have online access to a checking account, and the bank statement will count as proof of address if it is printed out or shown digitally to the people doing the checking. Proof can be digital as well as on paper, is my understanding.

People can also go directly to the office of a utility and ask for a print out of their recent bill - everyone is trying to cooperate with getting the residents situated. Many people have copies of their bills digitally (in bank accounts or otherwise). Getting one's documentation back and organized is a major task after this kind of disaster, it's awful.

DMV will give a temporary DL if people left without that.

I imagine it will take an entire day of time to get the documentation ready, but the situation in Lahaina will still be the same - and there's no way to take away the shock and pain of seeing it.

Water is a problem because it has to be electrically pumped to the point of use and generators are still arriving and being deployed. Most California counties have on site generators for water pumping and enough fuel to run for a few days - but not sure that any places are truly prepared for the size of a disaster like this one.
 
1692064508017.png
A woman cradles her cat after finding him in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023. #

Moses Slovatizki / AFP / Getty

This photo in The Atlantic touched my heart. I'm glad the cat and its owner found each other after the fire. May the survivors find the help and comfort they need.

There are other photos showing the aftermath of the fire here:
www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire

Images of early recovery work in Lahaina, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need
www.theatlantic.com www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire​

Residents of Lahaina, Hawaii, were recently allowed to return to their homes to recover what they could after wildfires burned across western Maui last week, killing at least 96 people. The historic town was overtaken by a swift-moving wildfire, which destroyed almost all of its buildings. More than 1,000 people remain missing as teams continue to search house to house and fire crews work to contain the last of the fires. Gathered below, images of the early recovery work, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need.
 
LaborDayRN said:
This is not Maui but I found this when looking for Maui fire updates. It's apparently the deadlies fire ever in the U.S.(up to 2500 people) and sadly I've never even heard of it. I'm sure some of you have though.
It gives me a knot in my stomach thinking of what the death toll in Maui may be. :(
www.history.com

How the 1871 Peshtigo Fire Became America’s Deadliest Wildfire | HISTORY

In 1871, the Wisconsin town of Peshtigo burned to the ground, killing up to 2,500. But due to another event at the time, many have never heard about the disaster.
www.history.com www.history.com
Click to expand...
Many people (myself included) believe that the Chicago fires, and the Peshtigo fire too and other forest fires that broke out that night, were caused by meteorites. I've been through Peshtigo (the museum wasn't open for the season yet) and it's very heavily forested. The people there also had nowhere to go.

The Maui situation sounds like one where everything that could have gone wrong, did. I do wonder if the high number of missing people could be due to the list not being decentralized, and that some people are being counted several times and even not stricken off the list upon being located, whether they are alive or dead.
 
anneg said:
View attachment 440958
A woman cradles her cat after finding him in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023. #

Moses Slovatizki / AFP / Getty

This photo in The Atlantic touched my heart. I'm glad the cat and its owner found each other after the fire. May the survivors find the help and comfort they need.

There are other photos showing the aftermath of the fire here:
www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire

Images of early recovery work in Lahaina, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need
www.theatlantic.com www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire​

Residents of Lahaina, Hawaii, were recently allowed to return to their homes to recover what they could after wildfires burned across western Maui last week, killing at least 96 people. The historic town was overtaken by a swift-moving wildfire, which destroyed almost all of its buildings. More than 1,000 people remain missing as teams continue to search house to house and fire crews work to contain the last of the fires. Gathered below, images of the early recovery work, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need.
Click to expand...
That cat looks absolutely traumatized, and is so happy to be reunited with Meowmy.
 
Maui County authorities will begin releasing the identities of those killed in the wildfires that swept across the island, police announced during a news conference Monday.

At least 99 people have been confirmed dead so far.

Police and county officials will release the names of people whose families have been notified, Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier said during a Monday news conference.

"To date, 25% of the area has been searched," Pelletier said. "We can only move as fast as we can, but we've got the right amount of workers, the right amount of teams doing it."

www.cnn.com

Live updates: Maui wildfires death toll rises, Lahaina recovery begins

Catastrophic wildfires have scorched Maui, killing dozens of people and destroying most of the historic town of Lahaina. Follow here for live updates.
www.cnn.com www.cnn.com
 
anneg said:
View attachment 440958
A woman cradles her cat after finding him in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023. #

Moses Slovatizki / AFP / Getty

This photo in The Atlantic touched my heart. I'm glad the cat and its owner found each other after the fire. May the survivors find the help and comfort they need.

There are other photos showing the aftermath of the fire here:
www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire

Images of early recovery work in Lahaina, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need
www.theatlantic.com www.theatlantic.com

Lahaina, After the Fire​

Residents of Lahaina, Hawaii, were recently allowed to return to their homes to recover what they could after wildfires burned across western Maui last week, killing at least 96 people. The historic town was overtaken by a swift-moving wildfire, which destroyed almost all of its buildings. More than 1,000 people remain missing as teams continue to search house to house and fire crews work to contain the last of the fires. Gathered below, images of the early recovery work, and the community of volunteers who are mobilizing to help those in need.
Click to expand...
If that didn't just send me into a fit of sobbing. Good/happy crying. (even though I'm still sad about things in Maui)

I am so happy that kitty made it and MORE glad her/his owner found him/her!!! Not to take away from the other lives lost. All are precious.

If I had a magic wand....
 

I have hope for the tree! 150 yrs old it deserves to live!​

Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree offers hope amid Maui wildfire ash​

In the middle of Lahaina's ash and rubble is a sign of hope for people in Maui: a famed, 150-year-old banyan tree that's heavily charred — but still standing.

The tree is a sight to behold, still sprawling over downtown Lahaina's courthouse square after a devastating blaze raged through the town just days ago, destroying thousands of structures and forcing residents to flee.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told CBS News the tree is "still breathing" and is absorbing water and producing sap, just not as much as it usually does.

"It's like a burn victim itself," Green said. "Traumatized, much like the town."

 
BayouBelle_LA said:
The ocean, a lake or a swimming pool might seem like a safe haven when you’re trying to escape a raging fire. But, experts say jumping into a body of water isn’t always your best chance for survival.
(…)
“You probably won’t get burned, but that’s not what’s going to kill you,” said Carl Otsuka, fire inspector for the Honolulu Fire Department. “It’s the smoke that’s going to kill you.”

Otsuka said that if the roads are blocked, you should grab a bicycle or do whatever you can to get away. Try to relocate uphill, upwind, to get away from the billowing smoke, he said.
(…)
“People don’t realize how long you’re going to be in the water,” Kolden said. “Hypothermia and risk of drowning due to not being able to swim or tread water for that long are very real possibilities.”

The flames may run out of fuel, but the smoke will linger.
“You literally can’t see anything, so you don’t know if it’s safe to get out yet,” Kolden said.
(…)
In Paradise, Calif., people survived one of the most destructive fires in the state’s history by huddling together in the middle of “this giant asphalt parking lot” outside of a grocery store, Kolden said.
“So, I look for places like that,” Kolden said. “What is the place that is close by that I know won’t catch on fire?”
Click to expand...
I highly recommend watching the documentary Fire in Paradise on Netflix. Parts are tough to watch but it gives an excellent understanding of how fires can spread and how to survive. This knowledge could potentially save lives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DNASolves

Who is Fairfield County Jane Doe (1993)?

Staff online

Members online

... and 132 more.
Total: 349 (members: 133, guests: 216)

Online statistics

Members online
133
Guests online
216
Total visitors
349
Totals may include hidden visitors.

Forum statistics

Threads
608,819
Messages
18,245,988
Members
234,455
Latest member
Dogdetect
Back
Top