'So tragic': Former Calgary woman caught in midst of Maui wildfires
CTV
A former Calgary woman and her husband living on Maui say the devastating wildfires have been a "nightmare" for residents and firefighters alike.
A former Calgary woman and her husband living on Maui say the devastating wildfires have been a "nightmare" for residents and firefighters alike.
Katie O'Connor, who moved to Hawaii about two years ago, lives in Kihei on the southwest shore of Maui. She first heard about fires in the hills in Kula on Tuesday but became more concerned when news broke of fires in Lahaina.
"Lahaina's a little bit more isolated, so when that happened, highways start closing and access is limited," she said.
As the day progressed, she and her husband heard more about the fires and the winds fuelling them.
"That, mixed with the really dry conditions (were) creating a real nightmare opportunity for these fires, something that firefighters just couldn't keep up with."
When evening fell, O'Connor learned about the destruction in Lahaina when flames engulfed the community's main street.
"We just kept hearing about different restaurants and businesses that were up in flames and were gone."
