The Hawaii wildfire is now one of the deadliest in US history.
The death toil has risen to 53 with more people still unaccounted for.
More than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed or badly damaged on Maui, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said.
Green expects the death toll to rise in the ‘worst natural disaster in the history of the state.’
A full recovery could take ‘months or years.’
Over 12,000 people have been flown off the island with at least 2,000 more still in shelters.
The Hawaii wildfire which virtually destroyed the historic town of Lahaina is about 80% contained overnight.
The White House has declared it a Federal disaster area which unlocks federal funds and assistance.
Firefighters from Honolulu are assisting along with US Army troops.
Many residents ran into the ocean to escape the smoke and flames with 14 rescued by the US Coast Guard.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
