Media release

From: JAMA

About The Studies: JAMA and JAMA Network Open are publishing studies examining the health impact of wildfires in Los Angeles County in January 2025 and in Maui in August 2023. Among the findings:

Excess Deaths Attributable to the Los Angeles Wildfires

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. These additional deaths likely reflect a combination of factors, including increased exposure to poor air quality and health care delays and interruptions.

Increases in Suicides and Overdoses During the 2023 Wildfires in Maui

The results of this study show that the 2023 Maui wildfires had immediate effects on suicide and overdose deaths in Maui and across the Hawaiian Islands broadly. The latter finding suggests that direct exposure to the wildfires may have increased risk of suicide and overdose death among Maui residents who migrated to neighboring islands during or after the fires.

Health and Social Support in the Aftermath of the Maui Wildfires

In this cohort study of adults affected by the Maui wildfires, substantial midterm cardiopulmonary and psychological health burdens were observed. Higher social support was associated with improved mental health outcomes but did not appear to buffer physiological outcomes such as reduced lung function. These findings highlight the need for disaster response models that integrate clinical surveillance, targeted mental health interventions, and culturally anchored community-based support. As climate-driven disasters intensify, proactive strategies to monitor and mitigate their long-term health effects will be essential to protect vulnerable populations and enhance resilience.