- Culture
- 14 Aug 23
Over 93 people are said to have died due to the fast-moving wildfires since Wednesday according to authorities, prompting criticism of the US government's handling of the disaster.
Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood have shared separate statements after a deadly wildfire swept through the Hawaiian island of Maui, destroying the historical town of Laihana to the ground.
The death toll from the wildfire is nearing 100 people after the deadly inferno whipped through the town early Wednesday morning. According to survivors, there was little to no warning before the fires reached them, despite warning sirens in place.
Of the order of events, the state's attorney general said he was "not going to make any excuses for this tragedy." He then explained an investigation would take place in due time, telling the press that they "are really focused, as far as I’m concerned, on the need for rescue, and, sadly, the location of more bodies.”
Crowdfunding efforts are in full swing to help those who have been affected by the blaze. The wildfire is one of many that have raged across the world this summer, wildfires in Greece and Portugal causing multiple deaths and countless acres of land to be destroyed.
The town of Laihana was very special to both Nicks and Fleetwood, and both former Fleetwood Mac members own property there. Nicks' nearby house narrowly escaped the blaze, but Fleetwood's beachside restaurant was not so lucky: Fleetwoods On Front Street was destroyed.
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Fleetwood, who has lived on the island for years, shared a message on Instagram. "MAUl and The Lahaina community have been my home for several decades," read the statement. "On behalf of myself and my family I share my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the people of MAUI. We are committed to supporting the community and those affected by this disaster in the days month and years to come."
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Fleetwood was in Los Angeles visiting family when the fire began, and upon hearing the news he immediately chartered a plane back, bringing with him relief supplies. As he told Sky News, "Selfishly, I haven't lost a family member, I didn't lose my house. It could have happened, but it didn't happen. But you immediately go, 'I'm really lucky - now what the hell can I do?'"
Nicks also released a rare statement on her Instagram, expressing her grief for the town and describing its importance to both her and Fleetwood. "This island, in so many ways, defines Fleetwood Mac and me and our families. Mick and I came here in 1978, went up to Kula to look at a huge, beautiful house and stood in front of it listening to the gentle magical wind. He said to me ~ 'I will live and die on this island.' I knew he was telling the truth."
She then ended the statement with the message, "Lahaina is not gone~ It is just away. With Aloha, Stevie Nicks."
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