California wildfires in early 2025 cause 400 more deaths, new study reveals

ANKARA

The wildfires in Southern California in early 2025 have resulted in 400 additional deaths, a new study revealed on Wednesday.

“While there were only 30 direct fatalities from the Los Angeles wildfires, this study estimates that 440 deaths from January 5 to February 1, 2025, were attributable to the wildfires,” said a study by JAMA Network Open, an open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association.

“These additional deaths likely reflect a combination of factors, including increased exposure to poor air quality and healthcare delays and interruptions,” it added.

The lead author of the study, Andrew Stokes, told CBS News Los Angeles that these estimates put "the real burden far above the official toll.

“As we all know, the wildfire smoke contains many toxic substances and particles, so those who were on the front lines, as well as affected communities, were exposed to many things that could increase their risk for disease later on," Stokes said.

"The findings from this study underscore the need to complement direct fatalities estimates with alternative methods to quantify the additional mortality burden of wildfires and of climate-related emergencies more broadly," said the study, adding "They also highlight the need for improved mortality surveillance during and after wildfire emergencies."

However, the study has limitations, said the paper, adding the data are preliminary, excess deaths beyond the study period may be missing, and unmeasured confounding could affect results.

Future research should explore long-term wildfire impacts and specific causes of excess deaths, it said.

The deadly Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Southern California broke out on Jan. 7, fueled by extreme drought conditions and powerful winds.

The Palisades Fire ignited in Pacific Palisades, east of Malibu, and spread rapidly, while the Eaton Fire erupted in the foothills of Angeles National Forest before moving into Altadena.

The Palisades Fire scorched 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures and damaging over 1,000 more, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the media outlet reported.

The Eaton Fire consumed 14,021 acres, with nearly 4,000 acres affected in urban areas.

The flames destroyed 9,418 structures, including historic buildings in Altadena.