A new study suggests the Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025 caused significantly more deaths than initially reported. While 30 deaths were directly attributed to the fires, researchers estimate an additional 410 deaths due to factors like poor air quality and healthcare disruptions, totaling 440 wildfire-related deaths. The study compared death rates to previous years, revealing a 7% excess death rate linked to the wildfires. Researchers emphasize this is a preliminary finding, and the actual toll could be higher.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.