At least 36 killed on Maui as fires burn through Hawaii

At least 36 people have died on Maui as fires burn through Hawaii. The Lahaina fire swept across the island, killing at least 36 people and burning parts of a centuries-old town.

The fire took the island of Maui by surprise, leaving behind burned-out cars on once busy streets and smoking piles of rubble where historic buildings had stood. Several thousand Hawaii residents raced to escape homes on Maui as the fire swept across the island.

Flames roared throughout the night, forcing adults and children to dive into the ocean for safety. Maui county announced the updated death toll on its website late Wednesday, writing that no other details were currently available on the deaths. Officials said earlier that 271 structures were damaged or destroyed and dozens of people injured.