Maui fires: How to help victims of devastating wildfire

Hawaii wildfires: 36 dead, planes from Maui land in WA

Good Day Seattle has team coverage on the deadly wildfires burning through Hawaii. At least 36 people have died, and now people who were on vacation are flying back to the continental U.S. -- planes are beginning to land in Seattle.

The search of the wildfire wreckage on the Hawaiian island of Maui is revealing a wasteland of burned out homes and obliterated communities, as firefighters battle the stubborn fire that has already claimed 36 lives, making it the deadliest in the U.S. in recent years.

Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started Tuesday and took the island by surprise, racing through parched growth and neighborhoods in the historic town of Lahaina, a tourist destination that dates to the 1700s.

Maui County said late Wednesday that at least 53 people have died, but that figure could rise as rescuers reach parts of the island Thursday that had been unreachable.

How to help victims of Maui wildfires:

FOX announced Friday it has joined forces with the American Red Cross to provide vital assistance and relief to the victims of the devastating Hawaii wildfires.

According to the media company, FOX’s Red Cross site was activated to collect donations for those affected by the fires.

"Help people affected by the Hawaii wildfires. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters," FOX wrote on its site.

Officials said relief is needed immediately, and more will be required later as the islands recover from the impacts. You can make a donation here.