OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The images of the deadly destruction from wildfires in Maui have struck a nerve with people across the country including here in north-central Florida.

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The remains of 114 people have been found, most of them yet to be identified. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said the death toll will likely rise in the days to come as the search for remains continues in the heaps of rubble and ash in Lahaina, a seaside community of 12,000 and a tourist hotspot on Maui.

Officials acknowledge they don’t have a firm number on the missing. Many initially listed as unaccounted for have since been located.

Green said Friday that what’s rebuilt from the ashes of the devastating wildfires on Maui will be determined by the people. “Lahaina will rise again,” Green said during a livestreamed evening address from Honolulu. The seaside town will be rebuilt as a living memorial to those lost while preserving and protecting Native Hawaiian culture, he said.

On Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it approved $2.3 million in assistance to roughly 1,300 households in Maui so far.

An emergency official who defended a decision to not sound outdoor alert sirens on Maui as a ferocious fire raged has resigned.

Images of Devastation Evoke Emotions, People Want to Help Victims

Many have posted on Facebook expressing heartbreak for the people impacted. Disasters like this always attract the con artists looking to prey on your emotions.

Two burned cars are seen next to a home destroyed in a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A group of Lahaina, Hawaii, residents who survived the deadly wildfire that devastated their community gather near a checkpoint in hopes to get access to their homes in Lahaina, Hawaii, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Volunteers unload donated goods at a food and supply distribution center in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A National Guardsman walks past a home destroyed in a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Wildfire wreckage in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
A woman digs through rubble of a home destroyed by a wildfire on Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Courtesy: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
In the aftermath of the deadly Maui wildfires, some social media users are discouraging residents from accepting disaster aid by falsely claiming the Federal Emergency Management Agency could seize their property if they do. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
An aerial view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
FEMA’s search and rescue team member works in a residential area consumed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said it approved $2.3 million in assistance to roughly 1,300 households in Maui so far, as the federal government tries to help survivors of the devastating wildfires. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Search and rescue team members work in a residential area consumed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Hawaii residents, who are affected by a deadly wildfire that devastated the community, hug one another after a news conference in Lahaina, Hawaii, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Courtesy: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

 

Beware of Scammers Preying on Your Emotions

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides tips to help you spot charity scams and avoid them.

If you want to donate to Maui wildfire relief, but are unsure if it is legit, here are some tips to help:
The FTC says it is always best to donate to charities that you familiar with. It also doesn’t hurt to research the organization; the agency advises you to find out exactly how much you are donating is actually going to the beneficiaries of the charity.

The agency included to be careful about giving to individuals on crowdfunding sites. The FTC says scammers encourage victims to pay by cash, gift card, and other ways that are hard to retrieve your money back. Experts advise you to make donations by paying with a credit card for added protection. The FTC also says to go straight to the charity and confirm phone numbers before you text to donate.

Visit the FTC’s website for more information on making sure your donation ends up in the right hands.

If you happen to see any scams, you can report it to the FTC here.