(City News Service)- A team of four members were set to depart from the humane society’s San Diego campus, 5500 Gaines St., at 9:30 a.m. Monday for an eight- to 10-day deployment, according to Nina Thompson of the society.
Once on the ground in Lahaina, the team will assist with search and
rescue efforts, animal care, sheltering of large and companion animals, as well
as transports.
At least 93 people have been killed by the fires that started last
Tuesday night, swept through the west end of Maui and leveled the town of
Lahaina, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century,
according to federal authorities.
Nearly 300 homes and other structures, some of them landmarks, have
been destroyed, officials in Hawaii said.
U.S. Coast Guard and Army National Guard troops were handling rescue
and relief operations around the island.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that California would deploy
resources and urban search and rescue teams to assist in the response.
”California stands with the people of Maui and all Hawaiians amid
these horrific wildfires that have claimed lives and destroyed the historic
town of Lahaina,” Newsom said. ”Our state is sending resources to support our
Pacific neighbors during their time of need.”