Grass-fed fire destroys much of historic town of Lahaina on Maui: Conditions of dry fuel and high winds combined to ignite a conflagration that left the town looking like a bombed-out military target. On Thurs., Aug. 10, the death toll stood at 53, but is certain to rise as debris is searched. At least 1,700 structures were destroyed and 11,000 tourists were called upon by the state to evacuate, which lacks the resources to support tourism activities during this crisis.