At least 55 people have died in the wildfires that have ravaged Hawaii and around 1,000 are still missing. The historic town of Lahaina was almost completely destroyed by fire. Dr. Eric Kennedy, associate professor of disaster and emergency management at York University in Toronto, joined CBS News to discuss the environmental conditions that fueled the destruction.

At least 55 people are dead and around 1,000 people are missing in Hawaii as desperation grows following multiple wildfires that some residents say they never received official warnings about. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports from Wailuku, Hawaii.

The devastating wildfires have killed at least 55 people.

JD Hessemer, a Maui resident and co-owner of Kohola Brewery in Lahaina, said he had to make the difficult decision to evacuate without official guidance due to worsening conditions and a lack of power. He joins “CBS Mornings” to talk about widespread destruction on the island.

Tourists race to escape Maui amid wildifres, while residents pack into shelters after the fires destroyed their homes. Rudabeh Shahbazi of CBS News Los Angeles has more from those who look to evacuate, and from those who are displaced.

At least 55 people have been killed and more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed or damaged in Maui’s devastating wildfires, according to officials. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.

Officials in Maui predict the wildfire death toll will continue to grow, as the president approves a major disaster declaration. Also, the Biden administration defends a controversial deal with Iran to free five American prisoners. All that and all that matters in today’s Eye Opener.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green says the wildfire that swept through Maui is “likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history,” with at least 55 people dead and more than 1,000 homes and structures damaged or destroyed. “We know the death toll will rise,” Green said. CBS News’ Jessica Kartalija has the latest.

The toll is expected to keep climbing. Maui residents are asking why Hawaii’s famous emergency warning system didn’t alert them about the oncoming flames.