U.S. military and related branches escalate efforts in Hawaii, amid devastating wildfires, deploying support and resources as the death toll approaches 100. Cooperation continues with local officials to combat the disaster, according to an Aug. 10 Defense Department release.
"First, I'd like to begin by offering the department's deepest condolences and our empathy to the people of Maui in Hawaii who have lost loved ones and family members, along with those who have been affected by the tragic wildfires there," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in the release.
In response to the catastrophic and ongoing series of wildfires plaguing Hawai, the U.S. military is significantly intensifying its operations to both fight the disaster and provide assistance to those affected, the release reported. During the briefing, Ryder outlined details about the response.
A total of 134 National Guard personnel have been activated, including 99 from the Army National Guard and 35 from the Air National Guard, the release reported. Responsibilities include liaison support to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, aiding local law enforcement, helicopter deployment and search-and-recovery teams.
The U.S. Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade committed two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and one CH-47 Chinook to Hawaii for firefighting purposes. The Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 has dispatched two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist the U.S. Coast Guard with search-and-recovery initiatives, the release said.
The U.S. Coast Guard's efforts include a 45-foot response boat-medium crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter that successfully rescued 14 survivors from the fire and smoke in the ocean. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Kimball and Joseph Gerczak are supplying more support in the region, according to the release.
The department underlined its ongoing commitment to collaborate closely with Hawaiian state and local officials to safeguard lives and combat the wildfires, extending thoughts and prayers to the people of Maui, the release said.
According to CBS News, the cause of the fire remains unknown; however, the conditions were noted as being ideal for fires, contributing to a steadily rising death toll that now approaches 100.
