Woman from Alabama reportedly dies in Maui wildfires
A woman who grew up in Alabama reportedly is among the at least 80 lives claimed in the deadly wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Officials warned Saturday morning that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue, according to the Associated Press.
Remains believed to be those of Carole Hartley were found on her Lahaina property by her partner, Charles Paxton, and a search team who returned to Hartley’s burned-down home to look for her, according to friends via social media.
“The fire came fast and they were loading a truck when the truck caught fire and exploded. Charles told Carole to run run run and she did,” a Facebook post from a family friend states. “It was noisy from the wind and fires and they got separated. Charles was found safe at a shelter and is now safe with friends in Wailuku.”
Hartley is being remembered by her friends and family in Mobile County and beyond for her inspiring spirit.
“You lived life as a force of full creative expression, feistiness and deep love for people and animals,” Jenna Mahina wrote on Facebook.
The wildfires, which were still not contained as of Saturday morning, are the state’s deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people, according to the Associated Press. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly.
Many fire survivors said they didn’t hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realizing they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions.
Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island.
The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Hartley’s family following the tragedy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.