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January 17, 2025

Death Toll from L.A. Wildfires Hits 27 as Study Says Disaster Could End Up Claiming 1,000s of Lives
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In California, some mandatory evacuation zones around Los Angeles have
been reopened after firefighters made significant gains battling two
massive wildfires. As of Thursday evening, the Palisades fire was 27%
contained, while the Eaton fire was 55% contained.

Officially, the death toll from the fires stands at 27. But a new study
by Yale University's Climate Connections predicts that toxic smoke,
combined with disruption to the economy and health, may lead to
thousands of deaths over the coming years. It's already the costliest
wildfire event in California history. A report from Wells Fargo and
Goldman Sachs estimates the cost to insurers alone could reach as much
as $30 billion.


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