Military Lends Support in Maui Wildfire Aftermath

A week after a wildfire tore through the town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, the death toll has climbed over 100 and the search and recovery effort continues. Tuesday, Army Gen. Charles A. Fynn, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, arrived in Maui where he met with the command element of the Joint Task Force 5-0. Members of JTF 5-0 from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard, Army active duty and Reserve are actively supporting Maui County authorities to provide immediate security, safety and well-being to those affected by the wildfires.

Combined Joint Task Force 50 search, rescue and recovery elements conduct search operations of areas damaged by wildfires in Lahaina, Maui, Aug. 15, 2023. Members of CJTF-50 from the Hawaii Army and Air National Guard, Army active duty and Reserve are actively supporting Maui County authorities to provide immediate security, safety and well-being to those affected by the wildfires to ensure unwavering support for the community of Maui and first responders.

Hawaii National Guardsmen with Joint Task Force 50 board a KC-130J Hercules at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2023. The Marines are responding to a wildfire that swept through Maui.

The Hawaii National Guard has activated more than 250 soldiers and airmen for duty that includes liaison support to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, command and control elements and local law enforcement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is removing debris and restoring power in the area.

Photos By: Army Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster