Hawaii wildfires: Death toll rises to 106, search for victims continues
The death toll from the wildfires that ravaged the historic town of Lahaina on Hawaii's island of Maui has risen to 106, as emergency crews continue to search the scorched area for new victims.
The fire, which began last week, has been 85% contained, but crews are still working to extinguish the flames. A second fire, known as Upcountry, is 60% contained.
The fires have destroyed nearly every building in Lahaina, a city of 13,000 people. Hundreds of people are still missing, and authorities are asking relatives to provide DNA samples to help identify the victims.
The fires are estimated to have caused $3.2 billion in damage to insured properties. More than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by the blaze, and about 3,000 are affected by fire and smoke.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but officials say they believe they were sparked by downed power lines. The company that supplies the area with electricity is facing criticism for not switching off the grid after the high wind warning.
Locals have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, alleging that its negligence caused the deaths of several people.
The fires have been a major blow to the tourism industry in Maui, which is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. The governor of Hawaii has declared a state of emergency in Maui County, and the federal government has offered assistance.
