Trapped in their cars, homes, or on the beach, residents of the historic Maui town of Lahaina frantically dialed 911, hoping for help or guidance as flames, black smoke, and embers surrounded them. The audio recordings of the 911 calls, obtained by The Associated Press through a public records request, paint a vivid picture of the chaos and desperation that unfolded during the deadliest wildfire in the US in over a century.
As the wildfire advanced rapidly on Lahaina, overwhelmed dispatchers struggled to keep up with the sheer number of calls pouring in. With police and firefighters already occupied, dispatchers could offer little more than advice and reassurance. Some callers were instructed to stay in their cars, while others were told to run for their lives or head to the ocean. Dispatchers urged residents to seek shelter at the Lahaina Civic Center, if possible. However, the overwhelming number of emergency calls and limited resources made it difficult to respond adequately to all the pleas for help.
The situation in Lahaina quickly became dire, with homes burning and roads blocked by fallen trees and power lines. Drivers found themselves trapped on Front Street, surrounded by smoke and flames, with only moments to decide whether to stay or jump into the ocean as cars exploded and debris rained down on them. Hawaiian Electric, the state's primary electric utility company, admitted that its power lines had started the wildfire that morning. Firefighters had initially declared the blaze contained and left, only to have the flames reemerge nearby.
Desperate callers reported being unable to escape due to traffic and blocked roads. Dispatchers tried their best to calm them down and offer guidance, but the overwhelming nature of the situation was evident in their voices. Frustration grew as dispatchers realized they couldn't fully comprehend the extent of the unfolding disaster. Some callers pleaded for assistance in evacuating elderly relatives or worried about family members stranded in burning homes.
As the fire raged through Lahaina, the calls continued to pour in. The audio clips reflect the helplessness felt by those caught in the midst of the inferno. Dispatchers did their best to provide support, reassuring callers that emergency responders were doing everything they could to extinguish the fires. However, the sheer magnitude of the fire and the limited resources available made it increasingly difficult for dispatchers to provide immediate assistance.
The 911 calls released to the Associated Press cover a period from 3:30 p.m. on August 8th, the day the wildfire devastated Lahaina. At least 98 people lost their lives, and over 2,000 structures, primarily homes, were destroyed. Lahaina, once a historic town and capital of the Hawaiian kingdom, was reduced to ashes.
The release of the 911 audio recordings has provided a glimpse into the terrifying ordeal faced by residents of Lahaina. For the survivors, reliving the tragedy through the audio clips has only added to their pain and grief. The recordings highlight the need for improved emergency response protocols and resources to better handle such catastrophic events in the future.
