Laurie Allen, who survived the Lahaina wildfire in Hawaii by running through a flaming field, has tragically passed away after spending over seven weeks in a burn unit. She was among the 98 individuals who lost their lives in the deadly fire that ravaged historic Lahaina on Maui’s west coast. The wildfire, caused by a fallen power line, destroyed 2,200 buildings, including Laurie and her husband Perry’s home. Perry, who was working when the fire broke out, lost a lifetime of artwork in the blaze.
Laurie managed to escape in a vehicle with others, but their path was blocked by a fallen, flaming tree. She bravely exited the car and ran 100 yards through burning grass to find safety. She was eventually taken to an emergency shelter after being met by a policeman and fireman. Throughout her time in the hospital, Laurie underwent multiple operations, including skin grafts, but her condition deteriorated. She was taken off life support and passed away. Laurie’s death reminds us of the impact our actions and greetings can have on others, as numerous individuals from her childhood, family, work colleagues, church friends, and clients at her PT Clinic rallied around her.
As Lahaina residents began returning to their devastated town, authorities warned against sifting through the ashes for belongings due to concerns about asbestos, lead, arsenic, and other toxins being stirred up. Displaced residents are currently being housed in hotels and other accommodations, but economists have expressed concerns about the prohibitively high housing costs in Lahaina after rebuilding, unless changes are made to zoning and other policies. Nonprofit groups are also providing assistance in the form of personal protective equipment and medical and mental health care for those affected by the wildfires.
