Maui Wildfires: Number Of Missing People 'Nearly Unchanged'; Finalization Might Take Time

Hawaii officials said that 385 individuals remain missing as a result of the Maui wildfire, largely unchanged from the previous week.

(Photo : Getty Images/Yuki Iwamura)

The Maui Police Department reported that 245 people on the missing persons list confirmed by the FBI have been recovered and located.

However, nearly as many new names were added, reducing the total from 388 to 385, a net reduction of three.

Exact number going to take time

Following the release of the new list by Maui police, the governor stated that the counts of fatalities and missing are frequently in flux in mass casualty incidents until investigations are finished.

"Exact numbers are going to take time, perhaps a long time, to become finalized," Gov. Josh Green said in a statement provided through a spokesperson.

Green noted that there are less than 50 "active missing person cases." He did not clarify nor elaborate on these missing people, but he said those individuals are the persons whom they have more information as provided by authorities.

It only requires a first and last name as well as a verified contact number.

Authorities said at least 115 people were killed in the Lahaina wildfire, which was the deadliest in the United States in more than a century.

The names of 50 people have been made public, while the identities of five others have been withheld because next-of-kin have not been located, while the rest are yet to be identified.

More than 1,000 people were reported missing in the early aftermath of the fire, based on reports from family, friends, or acquaintances.

Officials revealed a list of 388 people who were credibly believed to be missing.

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said that the new missing people on the revised list came from the Red Cross, shelters, and interested parties who called the FBI.

He urged missing people's families to donate DNA samples to aid in the identification of their relatives.

"If you have a loved one that you know is missing and you are a family member, it's imperative that you get a DNA sample," Pelletier said.

Lahaina fire contained

The catastrophic fire in Lahaina that began 27 days ago is now 100% contained.

The County of Maui announced the fire has scorched around 2,170 acres and damaged or destroyed 2,207 structures.

According to county officials, the fires in Kula and Olinda have not been completely contained, while the Olinda fire has scorched 1,081 acres and is 90% contained, and the Kula fire, which has scorched 202 acres, is 95% contained.

"The Maui Fire Department advises the public that extinguishing the Upcountry fires may take an extended period of time given the large burn area and the nature of the rural terrain. Although containment percentages have not changed over recent days, MFD continues to reassure the public there are no active threats among the three ongoing fires," according to a county update.

The cause of the fire has not been identified, however powerlines from toppled utility poles may have fueled the blaze.

Maui County has sued Hawaiian Electric, the island's power company.