At the request of the Maui Humane Society, San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team was deploying to Hawaii on Aug. 14 to assist in the aftermath of the wildfire that devastated Lahaina.
A team of four members was 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 111 people have been killed by the fires that started on Aug. 8, 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 on Aug. 10 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,” the governor said. “Our state is sending resources to support our Pacific neighbors during their time of need.”
