Anatomy of a monster: Maui fire seemed under control. Then it exploded with lethal force
Despite the horrific images of a community leveled by fire, the true scope of the Maui fire — the worst natural disaster in Hawaii in decades — has yet to come into full focus. The official death count stands at 80. And officials expect it to rise. Authorities have yet to search for victims inside buildings. About 1,000 people are missing, according to federal sources who were not authorized ...
Despite the horrific images of a community leveled by fire, the true scope of the Maui fire — the worst natural disaster in Hawaii in decades — has yet to come into full focus.
The official death count stands at 80. And officials expect it to rise. Authorities have yet to search for victims inside buildings. About 1,000 people are missing, according to federal sources who were not authorized to speak publicly about the fires.
One woman said even the ocean could not save those fleeing the flames.
“They jumped in the ocean to escape that but then there were still people dying of smoke inhalation in the ocean,” said Brittany Harris, 37. “My friend, whose husband is
