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

Verified

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 providing aerial reconnaissance and photography to assist with damage assessment and search and rescue operations for the devastating Maui wildfires.
Driven by strong winds from Hurricane Dora and dry conditions, the fast-moving wildfires have claimed over 36 lives, displaced hundreds, and largely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina.
The fires are the deadliest in the U.S. since 2018, with more than 270 structures damaged or destroyed across Maui.

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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.