Voice
9, International Desk: Wildfires in Hawaii have killed at least six people,
according to CNN, citing Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.
The
mayor confirmed that search and rescue efforts are underway but that the number
of people dead might rise as more information becomes available. At least six
more people were hurt, according to Bissen. According to Richard Bissen Jr.,
three of the injured were burn victims. CNN stated that a fireman was also
brought to the hospital and was being treated for smoke inhalation.
According
to Bissen, several structures have been damaged, with others being burned
"to the ground."
According
to CNN, he said the major mission for officials and first responders is to
"save lives and preserve lives." He went on to say that the secondary
goal is to save property, which both fire departments and goals are working
very hard to do. According to him, the fire brigade is working 24-hour shifts
to put out the fire.
Meanwhile,
Hawaiian Electric personnel have been advising residents to be patient as they
work to restore electricity to consumers in West Maui and Upcountry, according
to the news report.
"We
are all hands-on deck in supporting and responding to Maui
communities affected by outages, active wildfires, and sustained high wind,"
said Shayna Decken in a statement on Wednesday.