ALAN mobilizes in response to Hawaii wildfires

The humanitarian logistics group American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has begun mobilizing resources to support efforts to respond to devastating wildfires in Hawaii that have left 36 dead and destroyed hundreds of buildings, many of them historic.

Fueled in part by strong winds from Hurricane Dora hundreds of miles away, wildfires on Maui and the Big Island have claimed dozens of lives and destroyed more than 270 structures, many of which were in the historic town of Lahaina. ALAN has expanded its disaster microsite to include key details about the fires and related logistics needs. Late Wednesday the organization received its first request for logistics assistance — moving communications equipment to support shelter facilities near Lahaina. 

“We are heartbroken and devastated for the residents of both islands, especially those who have lost a loved one, a home or — in the case of Lahaina — most of their hometown,” wrote ALAN Executive Director Kathy Fulton. 

“Although the need for our supply chain assistance for post-fire relief efforts in Hawai’i hasn’t been extensive yet, the operative word is yet, because as Hawai’i’s Lieutenant Governor said, the full impact of the fires won’t be known for weeks or months. As assessments are made, we’ll undoubtedly be getting more requests, including many that could come in several weeks or months down the road,” she said.