Two FEMA task forces from Massachusetts have been deployed to Hawaii to assist the island state in the grips of devastating wildfires.
The task forces were deployed to Maui as part of the FEMA Blue Support team, Massachusetts Task Force 1 said on Facebook.
The death toll stood at 80 as of Friday, according to a statement by Maui County.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said he expects the death toll to rise in what is already the second-deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. While walking down Front Street, he told reporters that some victims were positively identified Saturday.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it has been spray-painting cars and buildings on Front Street with an “X” to indicate they had received an initial check, but that there could still be human remains inside. When crews do another pass-through, if they find remains, they will add the letters “HR.”
“Our thoughts are with the people who have been affected by this disaster,” Massachusetts Task Force 1 shared on Facebook.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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