Days after the deadliest American wildfire in more than a century ignited on West Maui, killing dozens and leveling more than 2,200 buildings, increasingly frustrated residents said that they were receiving far more help from an ad hoc network of volunteers than they were from the government.
After the fire destroyed the town of Lahaina, hundreds of local residents — a group that includes evacuees along with nearby residents who found themselves cut off from power and internet service — remained affected in West Maui, miles beyond the highway checkpoints.
Some evacuees slept in parks; others stayed in their own homes that survived the disaster or with friends in the wider community of that part of the island.
They have been searching desperately for gasoline, phone reception and hot food, especially after power outages rendered refrigerators and microwaves useless.
In many cases, they have leaned on church groups, community organizations and volunteers to track down missing relatives, get rides to shelters or access supplies brought in on private boats and airplanes.
Locations:
West Maui, Lahaina