More than 400 deaths linked to L.A. wildfires, researchers say – CBC

Doctors warn disaster response should include long-term health monitoring

Aug 06, 2025

The deadly wildfires that swept through Los Angeles this year likely contributed to hundreds more deaths, say researchers calling for better health tracking in the wake of natural disasters.

As Canadian communities from B.C. to Newfoundland battle flames and drifting smoke, new research from JAMA medical journal published Wednesday draws attention to the long-term health effects associated with recent wildfires in L.A. and Maui, Hawaii.

A total of 30 people died directly from the L.A. wildfires that burned homes, cars and trees, according to the study.

Andrew Stokes of Boston University School of Public Health and Finnish researchers now estimate another 440 people died from health conditions related to the blaze.

Stokes said these could be people with heart or lung conditions exacerbated by smoke. Mental health impacts and delays in care may have also contributed.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/wildfire-smoke-deaths-excess-1.7602366