People in Hawaii flee into ocean to escape wildfire destroying Maui tourist town

Traffic has been very heavy as people try to evacuate the area, and officials asked people who were not in an evacuation area to shelter in place to avoid adding to the traffic

People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in Lahaina, Maui (Alan Dickar via AP)

Wildfires have raced through parts of Hawaii, forcing evacuations and leading some to flee to the relative safety of the ocean, where they were rescued by the Coast Guard.

Fire was widespread in Lahaina Town, including on Front Street, a shopping and dining area that is popular with tourists, County of Maui spokesperson Mahina Martin said.