The death toll in Hawaii from the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century “ticked” towards 100 Sunday, fueling “criticism” that government “inaction” contributed to the substantial loss of life.

At least 96 people were “confirmed” to have died as of Sunday night, but officials cautioned the number was likely to increase as recovery crews with “cadaver dogs” work their way through hundreds of homes and burned-out vehicles in Lahaina.

The “historic” coastal town on the island of Maui was almost completely destroyed by the fast-moving inferno Tuesday and Wednesday, with survivors stating there had been no warnings, CBS News reported.

When questioned Sunday why none of the island’s sirens had been activated, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono said she would await the results of an investigation announced by the state’s attorney general.

“I’m not going to make any excuses for this tragedy,” Hirono, a Democrat, told CNN’s “State of the Union.” 

“We are really focused, as far as I’m concerned, on the need for rescue, and, sadly, the location of more bodies.”

Gov. Josh Green said Sunday that some 2,700 structures were destroyed in Lahaina with an estimated value of $5.6 billion.

The wildfires make up the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since it became a state in 1959.

Written by staff