Wildfires in Maui continue to burn as the death toll rises

The death toll has risen to 55 people as the Maui wildfires continue to burn. At last assessment the wildfire in Lahaina is 80 percent contained but 10,000 people still remain without power and there is no internet. This is making it increasingly difficult for those who are separated from their family to find their loved ones.

The County of Maui shared on their Facebook page that they will be airing daily public updates on maui radio stations. They will air at 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. They shared that have set up a family assistance center for those trying to connect with family members.

According to CNN, guests in hotels near the area of the wildfire were told to shelter in place. Most full service hotels are located about four miles form Lahaina and were not endangered by the fires. Permanent residents were evacuated, but road conditions were not in shape to sustain the traffic of hotel guests.

 With thousands of residents displaced, Hawaii Governor, Josh Green says the state is trying to seek 2,000 rooms to accommodate housing needs. Calling on hotels in the community to offer aid.

Hawaii's Department of Agriculture has announced that it plans to establish an emergency loan program to help farmers and ranchers who suffered property damage from the fire.