Hawaiian Model Brittan Byrd Shares Footage Of Wildfire Destruction In Maui

Hawaiian Model Brittan Byrd is sharing footage of the destruction in Maui that took place after the horrifying wildfires swept through the island.

Brittan, who also appeared on season 4 of “Too Hot To Handle,” often splits her time between Los Angeles, California, and her home state of Hawaii, and she said that her heart is “heavy” thinking of the lives lost in the wildfires in an Instagram post shared on Saturday night.

In a thoughtful Instagram post shared on Saturday night, the Netflix reality star shared a slideshow on Instagram that featured aerial footage of the destruction. Homes have been destroyed, businesses have been demolished, and cultural landmarks that have been standing for decades have all perished in the flames that have so far claimed dozens of lives.

“My heart is so heavy right now for Lāhainā, and all of those who lives, ohana, homes, local businesses, and livelihoods were lost in the tragic wildfires that occurred several days ago,” she wrote in the caption. “Words can’t describe the immense pain and loss Maui is enduring right now, so I ask to please hold space for these beautiful people, and consider the options we all have from afar to help assist the displaced families in need.”

“Whether it’s donating supplies/necessities, donating funds, or raising awareness ~ a little goes a long way, and any/all help is always, ALWAYS, appreciated. Thank you,” she added, listing the Instagram handles for organizations that fans could donate to in the description of her Instagram post.

Many fans offered thoughts and prayers. “So heartbreaking. It reminds me of the fire we had near where I live up here in northern California in a place called Paradise, CA. I was actually watching a video about what a guy went through during our fire the same night right before your fire started,” one fan commented. “This is so horrible and sad. I pray for all the people for healing and that they find a place to stay and recover all that was lost,” another follower chimed in.

A list of organizations that individuals can donate to can be seen below:

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez made a significant contribution to help aid those suffering in Hawaii. The pair pledged to donate $100 million to provide support and resources for areas that have been irreparably altered by the flames.

Over the weekend, Lauren took to Instagram to release a joint statement from her and Jeff Bezos. “Jeff and I are heartbroken by what’s happening in Maui,” she began. “We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated.”

“The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen – even after much of the attention has subsided,” she continued. “Jeff and I are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves.”

Many fans and famous friends supported the decision to donate in the comments. Heiress Paris Hilton commented “So amazing!” along with a hands raised emoji. Celebrity fitness trainer Senada Greca wrote, “Truly devastating what’s happened in Maui. What you and Jeff are doing is extremely admirable. We’ll be contributing.”

On Saturday, Hawaii governor Josh Green said that the Maui wildfires were “the largest natural disaster we’ve ever experienced,” adding, “It’s going to also be a natural disaster that’s going to take an incredible amount of time to recover from” (via CNN).

As of Sunday morning, the death toll for the wildfires stood at 93, but that number is expected to rise in the coming days and weeks as rescue efforts continue. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier warned that the number of fatalities might climb into the hundreds, warning, “None of us really know the size of it yet.”

Pelletier went on to say that it will be difficult to identify the remains of the victims of the wildfire, adding, “The remains we’re finding is through a fire that melted metal.” Over two thousand buildings have reportedly been destroyed, with economic losses totaling over six billion dollars.