Valley native trying to evacuate Maui amid wildfires
The American Red Cross is joining the efforts to help people who've lost their homes to the fierce flames.
MAUI, Hawaii. (KFSN) -- The devastating fire burning on Maui has destroyed homes and businesses, and stranded thousands of tourists.
That includes Austin and Rachel Bratton of Kingsburg, whose trip to paradise has become a nightmare.
Action News spoke to Austin's mom on Wednesday night.
"The worry set in for me when the fire started, and I started seeing it on social media, and I couldn't reach him. And I had no idea where he was and how to get him help," said Joy Bratton.
She was horrified by the images online of the fires, and through her heartbreak for the locals living through it, she was worried for her son's safety.
"You feel absolutely helpless. There's nothing you can do, especially when you can't communicate with your child or your loved one who's over there," said Bratton. She got in touch with her son Wednesday morning.
Now as of Thursday, she says the situation is more difficult.
"They had to go to a store where they were allowed three items. They bought two apples and a granola bar, and somebody gave them a box of Uncrustables. They've been eating that for two days," said Bratton.
But now that's gone.
"As of now, they are out of food, so now I am trying to find him spots to get food," said Bratton.
Another issue on Maui right now is cell service. While there are updates from authorities, they often need people on the mainland to relay the information by phone or text.
"They're not getting the information because they are not able to access it, so it's people like me texting my son saying this is what they're doing, but they are still not able to get that communication," said Bratton.
But they know they are fortunate in this devastating situation.
"Yesterday, my son and his wife were able to play with some kids who lost their home, and they went up to them and said will you play with me in the ocean. So, for that moment, it was a good moment for them, but these kids have lost everything, and so my son and his wife are very aware that they are lucky and fortunate, but so many residents there have lost so much," said Bratton.
As of right now, they are planning to leave on their regularly scheduled flight Friday.
The American Red Cross is joining the efforts to help people who've lost their homes to the fierce flames. The Central Valley chapter is sending a volunteer to help on the ground in Maui on Thursday.
"When a property gets destroyed, it takes a while for the people to recover. Red Cross is with them, the shelter may have closed, but Red Cross is still there providing resources," said Lucy Hunt from the American Red Cross of the Central Valley.
Lucy Hunt will spend at least three weeks in Hawaii helping in a shelter.
She'll help evacuees find a place to sleep, find food and help them start to recover.
Something the organization is able to do because of donations.
"If anyone can give to the Red Cross whatever they can, it would be so helpful and appreciated. It's money well spent," said Hunt.
You can donate through the Red Cross website.
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