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

According to Anadolu Agency, the study by JAMA Network Open, an open-access medical journal published by the American Medical Association, indicated that while there were only 30 direct fatalities from the Los Angeles wildfires, an estimated 440 deaths from January 5 to February 1, 2025, were attributable to the wildfires. These additional deaths are believed to be due to factors such as increased exposure to poor air quality and healthcare delays and interruptions.

Andrew Stokes, the lead author of the study, emphasized to CBS News Los Angeles that these estimates suggest "the real burden far above the official toll." He noted that wildfire smoke contains numerous toxic substances and particles, posing increased health risks to front-line responders and affected communities.

The study highlighted the importance of using alternative methods to quantify the additional mortality burden of wildfires and climate-related emergencies, beyond just direct fatalities. It also stressed the need for improved mortality surveillance during and after such emergencies.

However, the study acknowledged its limitations, noting that the data are preliminary, and excess deaths beyond the study period may not be captured. Unmeasured confounding factors could also impact the results. Future research should investigate long-term wildfire impacts and specific causes of excess deaths.

The deadly Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Southern California began on January 7, driven by extreme drought conditions and strong winds. The Palisades Fire started in Pacific Palisades, east of Malibu, spreading rapidly, while the Eaton Fire erupted in the foothills of Angeles National Forest before advancing into Altadena.

The Palisades Fire burned 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures and damaging over 1,000 more, as reported by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The Eaton Fire affected 14,021 acres, with nearly 4,000 acres impacted in urban areas, destroying 9,418 structures, including historic buildings in Altadena.