B.C. Family Escapes Townhouse Fire, Embarks on Unexpected Maui Getaway

A Canadian Family‘s Nightmare: Escaping Fires in Maui

Introduction

A British Columbia woman, Tracy Robinson, and her family, are currently stranded in Maui, Hawaii, as wildfires fueled by heavy winds from hurricane Dora have ravaged the island. At least six people have died, and numerous homes and businesses have burned down. The fires have caused road closures, damaged communication services, and left tourists like the Robinson family in a state of panic and confusion. This situation comes as a cruel twist of fate for Tracy Robinson, who had already experienced a fire in her townhouse complex back in Port Moody before leaving for her Maui getaway.

The Chaos Unveiled

Tracy Robinson and her family arrived in Maui on Tuesday afternoon, completely unaware of the wildfires raging on the island. After landing, they set off to their intended destination of Kaanapali. However, they soon found themselves confronted with blocked roads and fires on both sides of the highway. Desperate for an escape route, they decided to drive around the island. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain as they were turned around once again. With communication lines down, including their cellphones, and no information available, they were left stranded without any guidance.

Eventually, they were instructed to go to Kihei, where they hoped to find temporary refuge in a hotel. However, the exorbitant prices put them out of reach. The only option left was a community center in Kihei, where they spent the night sleeping in their cars. Despite the lack of beds, they were grateful for access to bathrooms and water. Later that night, they received an emergency notification on their phones, instructing them to evacuate to another shelter in Maui. The situation persisted with no beds or proper facilities, leaving them to spend another night in their vehicles. With closed roads and no working phones, they felt utterly lost and helpless.

Double Tragedy for Robinson

Tracy Robinson had hoped that her Maui getaway would grant her family respite from the recent fire incident at their townhouse complex in Port Moody. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. She revealed that four units in her complex had been reduced to ashes just before their departure. They had hoped that their home would be fresh and free from the stench upon returning, but it seemed that the fires had followed them, compounding their trauma.

Expert Advice for Those in Similar Situations

Claire Newell, a travel expert, emphasized the urgency of taking action for those with loved ones currently in Maui. She advised calling airlines and booking flights as soon as possible. The concern lies in the fires affecting popular tourist destinations, such as Lahaina and Kihei, which have dense accommodations for travelers. The main challenge lies in accessing the airport, as roads are closed for emergency vehicles only. Additionally, phone services, including 911, are down, making it difficult for people to communicate and seek assistance. Newell highlighted that some individuals have sought refuge in high schools to remain safe from the fires.

Tracy Robinson emphasized the importance of researching local news stations and social media platforms for information in such situations. Local news stations in Maui update their Facebook pages regularly, including the Maui County Facebook page and Maui 24-7, a news Facebook page. Robinson shared that they had discovered these sources of information after speaking to other people stranded in Maui.

Conclusion

Tracy Robinson and her family find themselves in a distressing and unprecedented situation, trapped in Maui due to the raging wildfires. Their escape from a previous fire incident in their townhouse complex has turned into a double tragedy. With road closures, damaged communication services, and a lack of information, their plight is emblematic of the chaos and desperation experienced by others stranded on the island. The urgency rests on finding a way off the island while prioritizing safety and staying informed through reliable local news sources. Such incidents highlight the importance of preparedness and understanding the potential risks and challenges when traveling to areas prone to natural disasters.