Wildfires linked to long-term illness and indirect deaths in Maui and Los Angeles

Research identifies wider health toll from Maui and Los Angeles wildfires

AP News has reported that three new studies suggest the human health impact of the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires extends beyond direct fatalities.

The studies, published in American Medical Association journals, examined deaths and illness linked to the August 2023 Maui wildfire and the early 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.

According to the research, the Maui fire, which was directly blamed for more than 100 deaths, left one in five people with reduced lung function and close to half reporting symptoms of depression.

The Maui study also recorded a near doubling of suicide and overdose deaths during the month of the fire, compared to typical rates.

In Los Angeles County, modelling by researchers estimated more than 400 additional deaths linked to the fires due to healthcare disruption and other indirect causes.

Maui wildfire linked to long-term respiratory and mental health impacts

The first Maui study, co-led by Ruben Juarez of the University of Hawaii, assessed more than 1,100 adults between six and 14 months after the fire.

Juarez’s team found that 22% of those in areas with high smoke exposure had below-normal lung function compared to people in lower-exposure areas.

Juarez said: “It’s a stark reminder that wildfires can leave an invisible but lasting scar on respiratory health, long after the flames are gone.”

Kristie Ebi of the University of Washington said wildfire smoke can be more toxic than standard air pollution because it contains particles from burning buildings, fuel stations, asbestos materials and vehicles.

Ebi said the findings suggest that this toxicity is affecting people’s long-term lung function.

Study links Maui wildfire to spike in suicide and overdose deaths

A separate study led by Jonathan Purtle of New York University examined suicide and overdose death rates in Maui and four other Hawaiian counties.

Purtle’s team found a 97% increase in such deaths on Maui during the month of the wildfire, with most cases being suicides.

Across all five counties, rates rose by 46%, which the authors said may reflect displaced Maui residents moving to other islands.

Ebi described the Maui rate increase as “a significant increase”.

Researchers reported that the higher rates were temporary and declined in the months after the fires.

Los Angeles wildfire deaths may have been undercounted

The third study, led by Finnish researchers, used statistical modelling to examine mortality during the Los Angeles wildfires between January 5 and February 1, 2025.

They estimated that there were 440 more deaths in Los Angeles County during this period than expected under normal conditions.

The authors attributed these deaths to indirect consequences of the fires, including interruptions in healthcare and other essential services.

At least 30 direct fatalities were already recorded from the Los Angeles wildfires.

Expert perspectives on wildfire health research

Dr Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin, who was not involved in the studies, said: “This adds a really important piece to the understanding of the true health risks from these extreme climatic events.”

Patz said the work “hones in” on the specific impacts of individual fires rather than generalised climate event trends.

Ebi said that wildfire smoke composition requires closer examination in future studies to assess the full range of health consequences.

She noted that further research is needed to clarify the exact smoke exposure levels for individuals in affected areas.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

For fire and safety professionals, the findings underline the importance of recognising indirect and long-term health impacts from wildfire events.

They indicate that operational planning may need to include public health monitoring and post-incident support in addition to immediate firefighting measures.

The research also highlights the value of coordination between emergency services, healthcare providers and community organisations to mitigate indirect fatalities.

Public education on smoke toxicity and the potential for long-term respiratory effects could also inform response strategies and recovery planning.

Wildfires linked to long-term illness and indirect deaths in Maui and Los Angeles: Summary

Three studies published in American Medical Association journals examined health impacts from the 2023 Maui wildfire and the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.

The Maui wildfire was directly linked to more than 100 deaths.

Researchers found 22% of people in high smoke exposure areas had reduced lung function.

Almost half of respondents reported symptoms of depression.

Suicide and overdose deaths on Maui doubled during the month of the wildfire.

Across Hawaii’s five counties, rates of suicide and overdose deaths increased by 46%.

Rates returned to normal in subsequent months.

The Los Angeles wildfires were directly linked to at least 30 deaths.

Researchers estimated an additional 440 deaths in Los Angeles County due to indirect effects such as disrupted healthcare.

Experts said the studies add to the understanding of long-term and indirect health risks from wildfires.