At least 53 dead in Hawaii wildfires

At least 53 people are dead in Maui County, Hawaii, as wildfires devastate the western area of the island.

"53 fatalities confirmed amid active Lahaina fire," the county tweeted on Thursday.

"These past few days the resolve of our families, businesses and visitors have been tested like never before in our lifetime," Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video message. "With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time."

The historic Lahaina Town, a one-time capital of the former kingdom that has less than 13,000 residents, was hit particularly hard. It is feared that the fire may have consumed much of the town, according to The Associated Press.

More than 14,000 people were evacuated from the island of Maui on Wednesday, with an addition 14,500 expected to be moved by the end of Thursday, CNN reported.

The fire on Thursday even left some areas of Maui without 911 and cell phone service. Some people were rescued by the National Guard after jumping into the ocean to escape the blaze. 

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on Twitter or Instagram.