Maui Wildfires: Deadliest U.S. Blaze in Over a Century
The Maui Fire was a series of wildfires that burned parts of the island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It is the deadliest wildfire in over 100 years, exceeding the impact of California’s 2018 Camp Fire. The fires, which ignited on August 8, 2023, ravaged the historic town of Lahaina on Maui’s western peninsula, leaving it largely in ruins. The upcountry community of Kula was also severely affected, with approximately 19 homes destroyed.
Ongoing Recovery Mission in Lahaina
In December 2023, After the Fire USA CEO, Jennifer Gray Thompson, led a delegation to Lahaina to discuss post-disaster recovery strategies and offer guidance and support to Maui’s impacted communities. Following this initial visit, After the Fire USA has continued to provide ongoing assistance, sending delegations and resources from the mainland to aid in recovery efforts.
Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO, After the Fire USA
Jim Alvey, Vice President Disaster Recovery, Good360
Reva Feldman, City Manager, Malibu (ret)
Stan Gimont, Senior Advisor for Community Recovery, Hagerty Consulting
Adrienne Heinz, Phd, Clinical Research Scientist, VA National Center for PTSD and Stanford University School of Medicine
Tatiana Hernandez, CEO, Community Foundation Boulder County
Jenn Kaaoush, Director, Superior Rising
Christa Lopez, PhD, Senior Advisor, CTEH
Owen Minott, Associate Director, Bipartisan Policy Center
Natalie Minuzzo, Coordinator, After the Fire USA
Reina Arai Pomeroy, Sr. Director of Community, Good Inside
David Reid, Director, Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience
Chris Smith, Director of Individual Assistance and Disaster Housing, IEM
Casey Taylor, Superintendent/Executive Director, Achieve Charter School
Tennis Wick, Director, Permit Sonoma
Jolie Wills, CEO, Hummingly