'Apocalyptic' Hawaii Wildfires Force Residents Into the Ocean

As wildfires burn in Maui, Hawaii, several structures have been damaged, rescue crews have been called, and residents have been jumping into the ocean to escape the flames and the smoke.

Dangerous Conditions

According to the Coast Guard and county officials, 12 people were rescued near Lahaina after they went into the ocean to escape fire and smoky conditions.

The wildfires, which have been fueled by Hurricane Dora, have become increasingly unpredictable as erratic wind, difficult terrain, steep slopes, and dropping humidity make it challenging to predict the path and speed of the fires, warned Maui County officials.

Maui County Fire Assistant Chief, Jeff Giesea stated, "The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house. Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire."