The Hill | "Wildfires could be raising local death rates by two-thirds: Study"

The Hill interviewed UCLA Fielding's Dr. Kekoa Taparra, assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy Management, about his research into mortality during the 2024 Maui wildfires.

" 'Wildfires can cause death in a variety of ways,' co-lead author Kekoa Taparra, of the University of California, Los Angeles, said in a statement.

Recognizing that many deaths in the Lahaina case likely occurred due to direct fire exposure, smoke inhalation and burns, Taparra noted health care disruptions and lack of access to medications may have also played a sizable role.

'Wildfires can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions,' he added."

Read the article in The Hill.