Maui Wildfires Kill 110; Official Cause Still Unknown But Probe Looks At Electric Lines

The main reason behind the deadly Maui wildfires is still unknown but officials have been certain that the number of fatalities will continue to rise in the coming days.

(Photo : Getty Images/Patrick T. Fallon)

In a press conference, Governor John Green bared that the death toll has already climbed to 110, with 38% of the affected areas searched by cadaver dogs.

In the next days, more retrieval dogs will be involved in the operations, Green added.

"We do have to report that more of our loved ones have been confirmed lost, deceased. Know that our hearts are with every family," Green said.

"A hundred and 10 individuals have been confirmed deceased. We get some details about this from our distinguished leaders in the police and fire... a 38% of the area has been covered. They are adding a significant force on the grounds. So, they are now up to 30 dogs that move to 40," he added.

According to the County of Maui, some of the fatalities have already been identified, with police saying that the names of those who died will be released when their families are already notified.

Authorities have since urged Maui residents, with missing loved ones, to provide DNA samples that could help in the identification of the victims.

Family members can flock towards the Family Assistance Center, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu Street.

Main cause still undetermined

It is still unclear what caused this massive blaze that reduced to ruins the beautiful island.

However, authorities are now investigating why the Hawaiian Electric did not shut down power lines amid the threats of high winds, which later resulted in dangerous fire conditions.

Initial probe indicated that there had been a detection of multiple major utility grid faults hours before the flames had started.

A lawsuit was lodged over the weekend after it was alleged that the devastating wildfires were caused by the utility's energized power lines that were knocked down by powerful winds.

At present, the Hawaiian Electric vowed to focus on restoring power to its customers as it also supports emergency response efforts and develops a long-term recovery plan following the disaster.

So far, the electric company was able to restore power "to all but 2,000 of the 12,400 customers" who lost supply in West Maui. It noted that the total does not include the 2,000 residences and business facilities which were destroyed in the fire.

"Our crews working to restore power to customers have completed repair of damaged transmission lines in the Upcountry area. Work continues on infrastructure to support restoration in the West Maui area, where facilities that provide essential needs such as groceries and supplies are located," it said in a post.

Further, electric supply was also restored in the Lahaina Civic Center as well as in the nearby areas.

The Hawaiian Electric has 400 employees from across the state who are tediously working on power restoration as it also shipped at least 26 specialized vehicles and equipment to the devastated area.

Firefighters still on the lookout for flare-ups

When it comes to the containment of fire, the blaze in Upcountry/Kula was already 75% contained while the Lahaina fire was 85% contained, but multiple fire crews are still assigned to monitor and address any flareups.

The Pulehu/Kihei fire, meanwhile, remains 100% contained but firefighters are still vigilant for possible flare-ups.

The National Guard has two military helicopters on standby so that it could easily provide assistance to immediate firefighting needs.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health has cautioned residents and business owners on returning to their properties in the Lahaina area.

The agency said this could be risky for their health as the ash may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals including asbestos, arsenic and lead and debris including broken glass, exposed electrical wires, nails, wood, plastics and other objects.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden is set to visit Hawaii next week to check the impact of the deadly blaze as they also join the state in mourning for the lost lives.

Related Video: