Most of the fires on Maui are still burning, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. The American Red Cross is there, working around the clock to help those affected.

Hundreds of homes and businesses are destroyed, hospitals are treating numerous patients for injuries, thousands have no power, and all phone and cell services are down, making communications extremely difficult.

RED CROSS RESPONSE Trained Red Cross disaster workers in Hawaii responded immediately, opening shelters in which thousands of people sought refuge from the fires. Thousands of tourists are being evacuated to Oahu and the Red Cross has also opened a shelter there to assist displaced Maui residents and tourists.

Working with officials and partners, our teams are providing evacuees with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time and preparing to expand relief efforts if needed. When it is safe to do so, Red Cross teams will help with damage assessment and distributing relief supplies.

More help is on the way as disaster teams deploy from the other Hawaiian Islands and across the country.

The Red Cross reminds everyone that it is critical to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. For those who have already evacuated, don’t return home until officials say it is safe to do so. 

This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990 or texting TALKWITHUS to 66746.

FIND LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one due to the current disaster, please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select Option 4. Follow the voice prompts for "Hawaii Wildfires."

Provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one. Please note call volume is high and callers may experience longer wait times.

YOU CAN HELP people affected by disasters like fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Read more at redcross.org.