Hawaii fires: First victims named as death toll reaches 106

Robert Dyckman, 74, and Buddy Jantoc, 79, both from the town of Lahaina, have been identified as victims of the deadly Hawaii wildfires. 

They are the first to be formally identified by officials. 

The wildfires swept Maui island last week, killing at least 106 people and leaving around 1,300 people missing. The death toll is expected to continue rising. 

“We offer our deepest condolences to the families who are beginning to receive notifications about their loved ones,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “As a community, we offer our prayers of comfort in this most difficult time.”

Bissen said authorities have identified three other victims of the fires and said their next of kin would be informed.

At present, only 25% of the affected area has so far been searched for human remains. 

Around 80% of Lahaina – a town of about 12,000 – was destroyed in the blaze. 

Residents had no official warning before fleeing the fires, which due to hurricane winds, fanned the flames meaning it spread rapidly.