Over 80 people have been killed, while several others remain missing in the devastating wildfires sweeping through Hawaii.

According to Hawaii's chief legal officer, an investigation into managing the devastating wildfires that killed at least 80 people this week would be launched as criticism of the state's response intensifies.

PHOTO | COURTESY Hawaii wildfire

The news and increasing death toll came as Lahaina residents were let back into town for the first time, with most finding their homes reduced to ashes and even the fortunate few upset at a sense of abandonment.

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"Where has the government gone?" "Where have they gone?" stated a man who did not wish to be identified.

Maui County officials increased the death toll to 80 people late Friday, noting that 1,418 people were in emergency evacuation shelters.

PHOTO | COURTESY Hawaii wildfire

The fires come from several extreme weather events in North America this summer, including record-breaking wildfires in Canada and a huge heat wave in the US southwest.

High temperatures have also wreaked devastation throughout Europe and portions of Asia, with catastrophic fires and floods devastating havoc. According to scientists, global warming caused by carbon emissions contributes to extreme weather.

Some of those who returned to Lahaina were overjoyed as they tearfully bonded with neighbours they feared would not survive.

PHOTO | COURTESY resident checking out what is left of his house

According to Maui County, crews from Honolulu arrived on the island, along with search and rescue teams from the US mainland and five K-9 cadaver dogs.

Spot blazes were visible to the AFP team in Lahaina as firefighters continued to suppress flare-ups and contain flames.

Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier stated Thursday that up to 1,000 people could be missing but that this did not indicate they were missing or dead.