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Hawaii wildfires

Learn how the U.S. government is responding to the Hawaii wildfires affecting Maui and the Big Island. Find resources to help you recover from the disaster.

Beware of rumors and scams

Rumors can create confusion and keep you from getting the help you need. Visit FEMA's rumor control page to stay aware of rumors and scams in the wake of the Hawaii wildfires.

Disaster recovery

Financial assistance

Food assistance

  • Households impacted by the Hawaii wildfires may be eligible for USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). You may qualify even if you do not normally receive SNAP benefits. You could be eligible for D-SNAP if you had lost income, property damage, relocation expenses, or a loss of food related to the wildfires.
  • USDA's Food and Nutrition Service announced temporary changes to food assistance programs for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires:
    • SNAP benefits can be used to purchase hot foods through October 14 in all five counties in Hawaii.
    • SNAP recipients in Maui County can have their August benefits automatically replaced rather than needing to report individual losses due to the wildfire. Get more details from the Hawaii State Department of Human Services. SNAP recipients living in other affected areas may request replacement benefits by filing an application for replacement of food with the local processing center.
    • The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will allow substitutions for infant formula brands and on portion sizes for eggs, tofu, whole wheat/whole grain bread, juice, and breakfast cereal through at least October 31, 2023.
    • Child nutrition programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, can allow parents to pick up meals until October 31, 2023 or until children return to class in person.
    • Child nutrition programs have also been given the flexibility to continue to operate even if they are not able to provide all of the usual food items with each meal due to limitations as a result of the Hawaii wildfires.

Housing

  • The Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing Program is connecting displaced residents with property owners and landlords who have vacant space available.
  • Homeowners in the declared disaster area with FHA-insured mortgages may receive a 90-day relief from foreclosures. Contact your mortgage or loan servicer immediately to ask for assistance. You can also visit the FHA Disaster Relief site or call 1-800-304-9320 for disaster relief options. 

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LAST UPDATED: September 19, 2023

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