PERFECT STORM

Hawaiians Leap Into Ocean to Escape Hurricane Dora-Fueled Wildfires

The gales grounded firefighting helicopters as evacuations got underway.

Homes went up in flames in Hawaii on Tuesday as wildfires aggravated by powerful winds triggered multiple evacuations and power outages. The conditions were so dire that many residents jumped into the ocean to escape the inferno, and had to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Powerful 60 mph winds from Hurricane Dora fueled the fire and caused blackouts as night fell, according to the National Weather Service. As well as fanning the fires, the winds also grounded firefighting helicopters and downed trees and power lines, creating roadblocks for inland fire crews, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin told The Associated Press. “It’s definitely one of the more challenging days for our island given that it’s multiple fires, multiple evacuations in the different district areas,” Martin added. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency announced that the National Guard would be deployed in Maui County “amid battle with wind-driven wildfires.”