UCLA's Shocking Study Reveals Wildfires Could Harm 1 in 5 LA Residents—Are You at Risk?

As urban wildfires increasingly threaten communities across the United States, a gathering of researchers at UCLA has sparked essential discussions about public health and disaster response. The Jan. 14 LA Fire Health Research Conference brought together experts from a nine-university consortium—including UCLA and institutions from across the country—to evaluate the health impacts of the devastating Los Angeles fires in January 2025, aiming to forge a coordinated response for future disasters.

Chancellor Julio Frenk emphasized the conference's mission-driven approach, stating, “This is truly an example of mission-driven research. It connects not only different disciplines but different levels of analysis, and it connects with communities and policymakers to ensure that discoveries are translated into action.” This urgent need to address the health implications of urban wildfires was driven home by the findings presented, which highlighted both outdoor and indoor chemical exposures and the ongoing efforts to protect communities from future risks.

The fires in Los Angeles were unprecedented, marking the most destructive natural disaster in the city’s history. Entire neighborhoods faced loss and displacement, while residents grappled with the invisible threats of smoke, ash, and chemical contaminants that permeated their homes and environment. Researchers pointed out that an estimated 70% of emissions from urban wildfires stem from human-made infrastructure—like homes and vehicles—rather than natural vegetation, complicating the public health landscape.

Dr. David Eisenman, a professor-in-residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, highlighted the significance of broad collaboration, noting, “This extraordinary disaster was met with an extraordinary research effort.” The conference represented a pivotal moment for many researchers to share initial findings and explore unanswered questions about health risks and environmental impacts.

One area of concern discussed was the lack of data on indoor air quality during and after the fires. Even once the flames were extinguished, studies led by UCLA researchers, including Yifang Zhu, discovered that carcinogens from smoke damage persisted indoors, often at increased levels. This underscores the urgent need for better monitoring of indoor environments in the aftermath of wildfires.

As climate change continues to create hotter and drier conditions, the frequency of urban wildfires is predicted to rise, making it crucial to address these knowledge gaps. “Exposure continues,” Zhu stated, emphasizing the need for a collaborative post-fire response that encompasses various environmental media.

Efforts to gather data are evolving, with researchers aiming to merge traditional methods with innovative techniques like drone imagery to capture real-time conditions in affected neighborhoods. Jacqueline Zdebski, a research scientist from the University of Washington, discussed her use of high-resolution imagery to create a detailed visual record of the damage, which can be invaluable for exposure and recovery research.

The overarching theme of the conference was the critical need for timely data interpretation to guide public safety decisions. Sudipto Banerjee, a professor in the Fielding School’s Department of Biostatistics, pointed out the importance of quick, credible exposure models that inform policy and public health responses. “Speed matters when communities are waiting for information that can guide immediate decisions about safety, cleanup, and recovery,” he noted.

Community engagement also emerged as a central focus. Andrew King, a member of the Department of Angels—a survivor-led group advocating for policy changes—expressed the frustration many have with how information is communicated during crises. “You have the firehose of information and then you have no access to information at all. What this [conference] work does is to allow us to figure out what was most important to triage for our community,” King explained.

As the conference came to a close, researchers emerged with a clearer understanding of the collaborative work necessary to address the complexities of urban wildfire impacts. Frenk concluded, “Sustaining this work—by staying connected to one another and to the people we serve—will be essential to ensuring recovery that is equitable and enduring. This is what great universities do.”

The insights and research shared at the conference serve not only as a vital resource for immediate disaster response but as a roadmap for future preparedness in an era when urban wildfires are no longer just an occasional occurrence but a growing reality that demands our attention and action.