Death Toll From Maui Wildfire Reaches 89, Making It the Deadliest in the US in More Than 100 Years

Burnt areas following a wildfire in Lahaina on the Maui island, Hawaii, on Aug. 11, 2023. Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP

LAHAINA, Hawaii—A raging wildfire that swept through a picturesque town on the Hawaiian island of Maui this week has killed at least 89 people, authorities said Saturday, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire of the past century.

The new death toll Saturday came as federal emergency workers with axes and cadaver dogs picked through the aftermath of the blaze, marking the ruins of homes with a bright orange X for an initial search and HR when they found human remains.