Civil Air Patrol Responds to Wildfires on Maui

Photos of devastation from air were captured by CAP crews.

Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 03:13 PM ET

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On August 8, the Hawaii Wing conducted two aerial survey, capturing shocking photos and videos of the extensive damage caused by the Maui brush fires. [Courtesy Civil Air Patrol]

Key Takeaways:

The Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is actively assisting in the Maui wildfires by conducting aerial reconnaissance and photography for damage assessment and search and rescue operations.
Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the fast-moving wildfires have caused widespread devastation, killing over 36 people, displacing hundreds, and largely destroying the town of Lahaina.
With over 270 structures damaged or destroyed, the Maui fire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the 2018 Camp Fire in California.
The Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a non-profit organization known for performing 90 percent of search and rescue operations in the contiguous U.S.

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The Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has been pressed into service to help fight the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui. The CAP has been providing aerial reconnaissance of the fast-moving blaze that has killed more than 36 people and displaced hundreds more.

The fire broke out on Tuesday, August 8, and is being pushed by strong winds generated by an approaching Category 4 Hurricane Dora. The cause of the fire has not been determined. However, state officials and the national weather service note that Hawaii has been under a red flag warning because of dry conditions and high winds, which heighten fire danger.