At least 36 people have Esthendied, officials say, and hundreds of structures have been destroyed as fires continue to rage on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

The fires first began Tuesday, and have since grown and spread in destruction, forcing hundreds of evacuations and leaving thousands without power.

The exact cause of the fires is unknown, although some experts believe human development on the island is at least partly to blame, including nonnative grass planted by plantation owners unfamiliar with the native ecosystem, which is dry and prone to fires.

The National Guard has been activated by Hawaii officials to assist police in Maui. The areas most impacted include Lahaina, a residential and tourist area with a commercial district in West Maui; Kula, a residential area in the inland, mountainous Upcounty region; and Kihei, a mix of homes, condos, short-term vacation rentals and visitor facilities in South Maui.

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Aerial photos show damage to Lahaina, Banyan Court

Lahaina's iconic banyan tree, planted in 1873 after being imported from India, was threatened by this week's fires and suffered damage to trunks and limbs, but remains standing, the Honolulu Civil Beat reported.

Aerial photos show what Banyan Court looks like after fires tore through the island.

Waiola Church

Photos from the ground show destroyed buildings, recovery efforts

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Fires cause delays, canceled flights: Photos from the Kahului Airport in Maui