Oprah allowed authorities to use her private road to help Maui residents evacuate.
What We Know:
- A two large brush fire broke out in Hawaii on Thursday. NPR reported the fires, in Maui and Puunene, scorched 10,000 acres.
- The exact cause of the Maui fire is unknown, but police have opened an arson investigation into the Puunene fire. They are searching for a “possibly maroon-colored Ford dually-type truck, early to mid-2000’s model with truck racks” that was seen leaving the area.
- Maui Mayor Mike Victorino stated the fires are completely contained, but people should exercise caution due to reduced air quality in the area.
- NBC News reported that thousands were forced to evacuate their homes. The city’s electricity grid and eight 20-foot shipping containers, used to store equipment outside of the Pu’unene Armory, were damaged by the wildfire.
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Oprah owns property in that area in Maui. One person evacuating the area, tweeted at Oprah asking to use her road to aid in evacuation efforts.
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Hi there Jack, Access to the road was given to county officials immediately. This was many hours ago. Hoping for the safety of all. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/BxsPNUkkJC
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) July 12, 2019
Oprah’s road was not actually needed, but she did grant access to emergency officials.
- She visited the Maui Humane Society after the fire. She thanked everyone for helping during the emergency.
Nice job Oprah!
