A devastating wildfire has swept through the picturesque resort town of Lahaina on Hawaii's Maui island, leaving smoldering ruins in its wake and claiming the lives of at least 36 people, according to authorities. The fires have forced thousands to flee the area, cutting off most roads out of Lahaina. The town, which draws 2 million tourists each year, has been left in ruins, with neighborhoods, businesses, and vehicles burned to a crisp. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but experts have pointed to a mix of dry vegetation, strong winds, and low humidity as contributing factors.

Maui resident Dustin Kaleiopu spoke about his family's experience of evacuating the area, stating that they had only minutes to flee and lost two generational family homes to the flames. He expressed concern for many families who are still unable to be reached and emphasized that everyone he knows is now homeless.

The wildfire in Maui is part of a larger trend of wildfires that have plagued Europe and western Canada this summer. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events to human-caused climate change driven by fossil fuel use. They have long warned that countries must take action to reduce emissions to prevent further climate catastrophe.

On Maui, firefighters are battling three separate blazes on the island, with reports of destruction in the residential area of Kula and the town of Kihei. Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke acknowledged the long road to recovery that lies ahead and expressed concern for the affected residents.

Former President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, shared his thoughts and condolences on social media, urging people to support the disaster relief fund. The fires began on Tuesday night, fueled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora, which was passing at a safe distance from the island chain. By Thursday, the winds had died down, allowing firefighters to gain some control over the flames.

The devastation caused by the wildfires in Lahaina is immense, with over 270 structures damaged or destroyed. More than 11,000 homes and businesses are without power, and the fires have spread quickly through populated areas. Some residents resorted to jumping into the Pacific Ocean to escape the smoke and fire conditions, prompting rescue efforts from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Evacuations have been underway, with more than 11,000 travelers already leaving Maui. While some roads are closed, the airport is operating fully, and airlines are offering reduced fares and waivers to aid in the evacuation efforts. The National Guard, U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard have been mobilized, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The fires in Maui have created a war zone-like atmosphere, with officials comparing the scenes of devastation to pictures from World War II. The affected areas resemble an apocalypse, according to residents. Aid and support are being provided to those affected, but access and communication challenges have complicated rescue services and assistance delivery.

The wildfires in Hawaii highlight the urgent need for action on climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive. Efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions are crucial to preventing further devastation from wildfires and other natural disasters.