AT least 36 dead as Hawaii fires devastate island of Maui - BBC News

AT least 36 people have died on the Hawaii Island of Maui, as devastating fire across the island

People were reportedly forced to flee the flames by jumping into the ocean, with the US Coast Guard rescuing at least a dozen people from the waters.

Authorities say it's too early to know the extent of the damage, but at least 270 buildings have been destroyed.

Efforts to bring the fires under control continue, but the flames, fanned by hurricane winds, have reduced by the large parts of the historic town of lahaina to rubble.