The aftermath of the devastating wildfires in Maui has left animal rescuers dealing with injured and deceased pets. The fires, the deadliest in over a century in the US, have claimed the lives of more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Among the tragic consequences of the disaster are the severely injured animals that have been pulled from the smoldering rubble. The Maui Humane Society has been treating animals with severe burns, including dogs with paws burned down to the bone. The staff at the shelter have been bandaging the badly burned animals and using surgical tweezers to remove debris from their paws. In addition to dogs and cats, the society has been caring for other animals such as love birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even a pig.

Efforts have been made to locate and rescue terrified pets that are still reported missing in the epicenter of the wildfires in Lahaina. Feeding stations stocked with food and water have been set up throughout the town to lure the animals out of hiding. Once found, the animals are checked for identification and scanned for a microchip in order to contact their owners. The Maui Humane Society has asked that dead animals not be moved or destroyed so that they can be cataloged and identified.

Meanwhile, the human death toll continues to rise, with 106 individuals confirmed dead so far. State Governor Josh Green has warned that the death toll is likely to increase significantly, potentially two or three times its present level. The US Department of Health and Human Services has deployed a team of coroners, pathologists, and technicians to assist in identifying remains. DNA samples have been collected from 41 individuals whose relatives are still missing, and 13 DNA profiles have been obtained from remains. The process of identifying the victims is expected to be challenging due to the number of casualties.

Residents who were evacuated from Lahaina are struggling with intermittent power, unreliable cellphone service, and uncertainty about where to seek assistance. The Red Cross has set up five shelters for evacuees, with 575 individuals currently seeking refuge. Thousands of people will need housing for at least 36 weeks, and efforts are being made to provide hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals. However, around 2,000 homes and businesses are still without electricity.

The response to the wildfires has come under scrutiny, with criticisms leveled at President Joe Biden for his perceived lack of action. Biden has promised to visit the affected areas as soon as possible. The exact cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, and questions have been raised about the preparedness and response of authorities. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, claiming that the company should have shut off its power lines to reduce the risk of fire.

As the recovery and cleanup efforts continue, it is crucial to provide support to the affected individuals and animals. The community is rallying together, with donations of food, water, and supplies pouring in. Various agencies, including the US Marines, the Hawaii National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard, have joined the aid and recovery efforts. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, with many families facing the prospect of rebuilding their lives from scratch.