Biden Deploys Military to Assist in Maui Firefighting Efforts

The fires in Maui are creating “rapidly changing conditions,” according to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard.

President Joe Biden has directed federal military resources to Maui in response to the wildfires that, as of Thursday morning, have claimed dozens of lives and severely impacted local communities. “I have ordered all available federal assets to assist with the response. The Hawaii National Guard has mobilized Chinook helicopters for fire suppression and search and rescue operations on Maui,” Biden stated late Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the Navy’s 3rd Fleet will support the search, rescue, and response efforts, while the Marine Corps has deployed Black Hawk helicopters for firefighting. Additionally, the Department of Transportation will coordinate with commercial airlines for evacuation efforts, and the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture are preparing for recovery operations once the fires are controlled.

Biden urged residents to follow evacuation orders, heed the instructions of first responders, and remain vigilant.

Local reports describe severe destruction from the fires, with some witnesses noting the extreme intensity of the flames. Several communities have been fully evacuated, and there have been reports of people fleeing into the sea to escape the rapidly spreading fires.

This summer’s record heat has also led to significant wildfires in Greece, Portugal, Spain, and other parts of Europe. Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires has affected air quality across the U.S.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees military operations in the region, has stated that the Army will contribute Black Hawk and heavy-lift Chinook helicopters to assist with the firefighting efforts and is preparing for additional support requests from the Hawaii National Guard and state government.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by these devastating wildfires,” said a spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with the people of Hawaii and the first responders battling the fires.”

The historic town of Lahaina, a significant site as the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and a key North Pacific whaling port, has been heavily damaged. As of late Wednesday, its historic buildings were described as blackened and charred.

Local charter pilot Richard Olsten, who has flown in the area for 52 years, described the scene to Stars & Stripes as looking like “a bomb went off.” He said, “It’s horrifying. We had tears in our eyes, the other pilots on board and the mechanics and me. We never thought we’d experience anything like this in our whole life.”

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke stated that officials are still assessing the extent of the damage. “It will be a long road to recovery,” she said at a press conference.