Hawaii wildfires burn homes and leading to mass evacuations, school closures, and a dozen ocean rescues.
The wildfires have resulted in road closures and power outages, affecting about 13 thousand residents on Maui. The acting governor, Sylvia Luke, has declared a state of emergency and activated the national guard. Two major areas are under threat: the tourist hotspot of west Maui and an inland mountainous region.
Authorities attribute the winds to hurricane Dora, which is currently located 500 miles south of the island chain. The fires are a significant environmental concern for the region, with the potential to cause extensive damage to the local ecosystems, including coral reefs.
