The deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, destroying Lahaina and killing at least 102 people with nearly $6 billion in damage.
Key Facts
- Death toll
- At least 102 killed
- Buildings destroyed
- Over 2,200
- Official damage total
- 5.5 billion USD
- Emergency declaration signed
- August 8, 2023
- Federal disaster declaration
- August 10, 2023
- Missing persons
- 2
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A strong high-pressure system north of Hawaii combined with Hurricane Dora to the south created dry, gusty wind conditions across Maui in early August 2023. These atmospheric factors dramatically accelerated the spread of wildfires, particularly in the historic coastal town of Lahaina on Maui's northwest shore.
Beginning in early August 2023, a series of wind-driven wildfires swept across the island of Maui, Hawaii, with the Lahaina fire proving the most destructive. At least 102 people were killed and two remained missing. The Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA estimated over 2,200 buildings were destroyed, including numerous historic landmarks in Lahaina.
Hawaii's governor declared a statewide emergency by August 9, and President Biden issued a federal major disaster declaration on August 10, activating the Hawaii National Guard and FEMA resources. The U.S. Department of Commerce recorded the official damage total at $5.5 billion, making it one of the costliest wildfire disasters in American history.
Human Cost
Each dot represents approximately 10,000 deaths. Total estimated: 102 (fire)