大象传媒

Officials from a tourist town in Hawaii say at least 36 people are now known to have died as wildfires continue to rage on the island of Maui.

The historic town of Lahaina, which is on the north-west coast of the island, has been almost completely burnt to the ground.

Firefighters are continuing efforts to get the blazes under control. The flames spread rapidly, forcing some people to jump into the sea to escape.

Daniel Sullivan, a photographer who lives on the island, told Newsday the situation is desperate.

"We had three different fires surrounding the house. Huge trees were exploding."

(Pic: Wildfires in Hawaii on the island of Maui; Credit: Reuters)