Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed specialized team members from firefighting personnel in Oakland, Sacramento and Riverside Counties to search and rescue efforts in Maui, Hawaii, according to a press release.
"California stands with the people of Maui and all the Hawaiians amid these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic town of Lāhainā," Newsom said. "Californians know firsthand the devastating toll of catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change, capable of wiping out entire communities and centuries of irreplaceable history and heritage. Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need."
Eleven members of California's Urban Search and Rescue (U&R) Task Forces were sent to assist in locating survivors and recovery operations on the island. Personnel from Cal OES with expertise in urban search and rescue and mass fatality management have also been mobilized and sent to Hawaii. According to Newsom, this deployment is part of California's extensive endeavors to provide assistance to other states during critical situations. Earlier this year, California dispatched firefighters, specialists in disaster recovery and additional personnel to Oregon, New Mexico and Montana.
Regarding the Maui fires, on Aug. 10, authorities in Maui County reported an additional 17 casualties, culminating in a total of 53 casualties.
More than 1,000 structures have been destroyed as a result of the Maui wildfire, displacing countless families, AP News reported. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told AP News the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, and officials anticipate it will become the state's deadliest natural disaster since 1961, when a tsunami hit the Big Island and killed 61 people. About 11,000 tourists flew out of Maui on Aug. 9, with at least 1,500 more expected to leave the island on Aug. 10.