Nations warn against nonessential travel to Maui due to wildfires

International governments are warning citizens not to travel to Maui as wildfires continue to decimate the Hawaiian island.

Canadian authorities issued a “regional risk” for Maui and warned Canadians to “avoid non-essential travel to Maui due to ongoing wildfires.” 

British authorities issued travel advice regarding wildfires in Maui, warning, “Wildfires are affecting a number of areas of Maui County in Hawaii. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.”

British nationals should follow guidance of emergency services, call 911 if in immediate danger, and contact the airline operator “who can assist you with return travel to the UK,” according to the official travel advice.

The British travel advice about wildfires adds to the existing travel advisory related to the heatwave in the United States. 

The advisories add to the existing warnings issued by the United States federal government, the local government, airlines and others. 

Hawaii’s government has issued an emergency proclamation, discouraging nonessential air travel to Maui.

Director Ed Sniffen of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation said Wednesday that officials evacuated more than 11,000 tourists from Maui. 

As of late Wednesday, at least 36 people have died from wildfire-related causes. Maui’s historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination, has been acutely affected by the wildfires, with at least 271 structures damaged or destroyed, according to officials Wednesday.

President Biden on Wednesday ordered “all available federal assets” to respond to the wildfires.