Hawaii wildfire kills at least 36 people on Maui, destroys dozens of structures

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WATCH: Wildfire rages in Hawaii, person almost struck by debris

Maui’s historic commercial district was ravaged by fire and wind. There are currently over 2100 people in shelters, and 6 people have died from the wildfires thus far. Credit: Jeff Melichar/LOCAL NEWS X /TMX

A brush fire raging across Hawaii has sent thousands of residents fleeing their homes, killing at least 36 people and destroying parts of a centuries-old town.

“As the firefighting efforts continue, 36 total fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire,” Maui County said in a news release. “No other details are available at this time.”

Wildfires in Hawaii fanned by strong winds burned multiple structures in areas including historic Lahaina town, forcing evacuations and closing schools in several communities Wednesday, and rescuers pulled a dozen people escaping smoke and flames from the ocean. (Zeke Kalua/County of Maui via AP)

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