Lahaina residents returning to burn zone for first time

More than a month after devastating fires burned most of the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, some residents were able to go visit their properties Monday.

Residents who lived in what has been designated Zone 1C were able to go to their properties for the first time since fires scorched the area in early August.

“They’re very appreciative to get in here, something they’ve all been waiting anxiously for,” Darryl Oliveira, interim administration of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, told reporters gathered near the burn zone. “People who haven’t been here since the fire are taken aback by the amount and the extent of the destruction.” 

The disaster area has been split into zones, gradually being reopened to residents as they are considered safe to enter, Maui County officials said.

They warned, however, that there are still many dangers at the burn site. Hazardous materials like ash, debris, heavy metals and other chemicals may be in the area following the deadly wildfires. 

Maui officials are urging visitors to wear personal protective equipment, such as face masks. 

While some residents in Lahainer were able to return to their properties in the days after the fires, the burn site has been off-limits. Zone 1C was opened Monday for residents who wish to return to the area and will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Those returning to the burn site were given water, shade, washing stations, toilets, transportation assistance and mental and physical health care, the county said.  

Officials previously noted they believed at least 115 people died from the fire. After further DNA testing, authorities lowered the number of deaths to at least 97 people.

On Monday, the County confirmed the death of Matsuyuki Osato, 83, bringing the current death toll to 98 people.