Hawaii National Guard activated in response to devastating wildfires

The Hawaii National Guard has been activated to help deal with wildfires raging on the island of Maui.

According to a Facebook post late Tuesday local time by Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard, the guard is helping the Maui Police Department “at traffic control points.” The fires have already forced several communities to evacuate, and on Wednesday morning, Maui County officials reported the unavailability of 911 services in West Maui.

“This support was accelerated because of the rapidly changing conditions tonight,” Hara’s post read. “More Hawaii Guardsmen will be supporting Maui and Hawaii Counties tomorrow.”

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke (D) issued an emergency declaration related to the fires Tuesday. She did so in the capacity of an acting governor, as Gov. Josh Green (D) travels out of state. Her proclamation activated the state’s National Guard. 

“We are closely following the wildfires caused by the strong winds of Hurricane Dora,” Luke said in a press release. “The safety of our residents is paramount, and this emergency proclamation will activate the Hawaii National Guard to support emergency responders in the impacted communities.”

The Associated Press contributed.