‘It’s gone forever’: Wildfires ravage town at heart of Hawaiian culture

Wildfires have left a trail of destruction on the Hawaiian island of Maui, killing at least 36 people and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

The blazes, which continued to rage on Thursday, appear to have devastated the historic centre of Lahaina, the onetime capital of the former Kingdom of Hawaii.

While damage was still being assessed, witnesses said several significant sites appeared to have been consumed by the flames.

Richard Olsten, a helicopter pilot with tour operator Air Maui,…