Coral researchers study how Hawaiian wildfire affected ‘foundation of life’

Water samples are being taken off Lahaina, Hawaii, following the devastating wildfire in the town (Mengshin Lin/AP)

Residents of the Hawaiian island of Maui have voiced concern about potential damage to marine life following the deadliest US wildfire in a century.

The blaze in Lahaina last August scorched more than 2,000 buildings and left behind piles of toxic debris, and there are fears run-off could carry contaminants into the ocean and affect the coral, seaweed and the food chain.