In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Maui, animal rescuers are facing the heart-wrenching task of dealing with injured and deceased pets. These fires, the deadliest in over a century in the United States, have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of more than 100 people and reducing thousands of homes and businesses to ashes.

Amidst the tragic consequences of this disaster, the Maui Humane Society has been at the forefront, tirelessly working to treat animals with severe burns. Dogs, in particular, have suffered unimaginable injuries, with some having their paws burned down to the bone. The dedicated staff at the shelter have been providing medical care to these badly burned animals, diligently bandaging wounds and delicately removing debris from their paws using surgical tweezers.

Beyond dogs and cats, the society has also been caring for a diverse range of creatures affected by the wildfires, including love birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and even a pig. Efforts have been underway to locate and rescue terrified pets that are still reported missing in Lahaina, the epicenter of the wildfires. Feeding stations, stocked with food and water, have been strategically set up throughout the town, aiming to draw out these frightened animals from their hiding places. Once found, each animal is meticulously checked for identification and scanned for a microchip to facilitate contact with their owners.

To aid recovery efforts, the Maui Humane Society has requested that deceased animals not be moved or destroyed, allowing them to be cataloged and identified for closure and peace of mind for their grieving owners.

Sadly, as the human death toll continues to rise, now standing at 106 individuals, the State Governor Josh Green has issued a solemn warning that this number is likely to significantly increase, potentially doubling or even tripling its present level. In response to the scale of this tragedy, the US Department of Health and Human Services has dispatched a team of coroners, pathologists, and technicians to assist in identifying remains. Currently, DNA samples have been collected from 41 individuals whose relatives are still missing, and 13 DNA profiles have been obtained from remains. Given the magnitude of the casualties, the process of identifying the victims is expected to be an arduous and challenging task.

Evacuated residents of Lahaina are grappling with a myriad of difficulties, including intermittent power supply, unreliable cellphone service, and uncertainty about where to seek assistance. To provide aid and shelter, the Red Cross has established five shelters for evacuees, with 575 individuals currently seeking refuge. However, the need for housing extends far beyond the immediate crisis, with thousands of people requiring accommodations for at least 36 weeks. Efforts are underway to secure hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals, but approximately 2,000 homes and businesses still remain without electricity, exacerbating the challenges faced by the affected community.

In light of the scale of the devastation, the response to the wildfires has come under scrutiny, with criticisms being leveled at President Joe Biden for what some perceive as a lack of swift action. President Biden, however, has assured the public of his commitment to visit the affected areas as soon as possible. The exact cause of the wildfires remains under investigation, and questions have been raised about the preparedness and response of authorities. In fact, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric, arguing that the company should have shut off its power lines to mitigate the risk of fire.

As recovery and cleanup efforts persist, it is paramount to provide support to both the affected individuals and animals. The community has rallied together, demonstrating an outpouring of generosity through donations of food, water, and supplies. Various agencies, including the US Marines, the Hawaii National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Coast Guard, have united their efforts in aid and recovery initiatives.

Nevertheless, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, with numerous families facing the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. The community's resilience and determination, combined with the support of government agencies and charitable organizations, will be instrumental in helping Maui heal and restore its vibrant spirit in the face of this unprecedented tragedy.