Over 400 Indirect Deaths from LA Wildfires Revealed in New Study

The study published in JAMA identified around 440 additional deaths related to the LA wildfires, far surpassing the official toll of 31, raising concerns about the broader effects of wildfires on public health.

A new study published in the medical journal JAMA has revealed that more than 400 indirect deaths are estimated to be linked to the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles earlier this year. These figures reflect deaths associated with negative factors exacerbated by the wildfires, such as deteriorating air quality and the complications of delayed healthcare access during the crisis.

As wildfires rage across the US and Canada, prompting air quality alerts in cities like Chicago, Buffalo, and New York, the research highlights the far-reaching consequences of such natural disasters. The Palisades and Eaton fires, which occurred in January, led to extensive property loss—over 100,000 residents were evacuated, and thousands of structures were destroyed.

The study found that approximately 440 people died from fire-related causes in the period from January 5 to February 1. Researchers calculated this number by analyzing all death reports in Los Angeles during the fires and comparing this data to previous years. The results indicated nearly a 7% increase in mortality rates during the wildfire period, with some deaths attributed to pre-existing lung and heart conditions exacerbated by smoke, while others were linked to healthcare disruptions for patients with conditions like cancer and kidney disease.

The authors emphasize the necessity for officials to account for both direct and indirect deaths when assessing the impact of wildfires and other climate-related emergencies. They call for improved surveillance on mortality during and after fire emergencies. Though the figure of 440 is provisional and may not capture all fire-related deaths, it underscores the urgent need for broader awareness and response strategies regarding public health in the wake of wildfires.

In addition, a separate study published the same day in JAMA examined the fallout from the 2023 Maui wildfires, highlighting significant long-term health impacts, with nearly 22% of adults exhibiting reduced lung function and half reporting depressive symptoms. The Maui fires, which were among Hawaii's worst, killed at least 102 people and destroyed over 2,000 structures. The urgency for continuous community-based mental health support following such climate disasters was underscored by the findings.

In response to the growing frequency of wildfires, attributed to climate change and favorable weather conditions, experts warn about the severe health risks posed by wildfire smoke, which has been found more harmful than pollution from other sources. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at increased risk, though healthy adults are also affected. The ongoing increase in wildfires highlights an urgent need for effective policy and health responses to combat the impact of climate change on public health and safety.