How Southern California’s Wildfires Will Affect Your Health for Years: Essential Insights and Tips

By Talya Meyers

Today, powerful winds are creating dangerous conditions in Southern California. These gusts are pushing wildfires toward homes, even as firefighters battle the flames. Search-and-rescue teams are working through neighborhoods that have suffered immense damage. Many residents are returning to find their homes destroyed and drinking water tainted.

While the immediate focus is on stopping the fires and keeping people safe, the aftermath is just beginning for many. Communities like Lāhainā in Hawaii and Paradise in Northern California illustrate a grim reality: natural disasters can lead to long-lasting health issues. Research shows that wildfires and other disasters can cause more deaths indirectly than direct fatalities from the event itself.

Once the flames are out, health risks linger. Smoke exposure can worsen conditions like asthma and heart disease. Contaminated water supplies can carry hazardous bacteria and chemicals for a long time. Healthcare providers often report a decline in physical health among those affected by disasters, as people struggle to access medication for chronic conditions and face new health challenges.

The toll on families is heavy. Many lose their homes, cherished belongings, and any sense of normalcy. Children may lose their toys and familiar surroundings, while older adults see lifetime investments turn to ash. The emotional impact is profound, often resulting in trauma and uncertainty about the future.

Mental health specialists in these communities report a sharp rise in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after disasters. Research backs this up; repeated natural disasters can worsen the mental health effects over time, particularly as climate change leads to more frequent and intense fires and storms.

The hidden consequences of wildfires are often the hardest to track. Studies have found that tropical storms can cause up to 300 times more excess deaths in the long term compared to immediate fatalities. Although wildfires have not been studied as extensively, similar factors such as housing loss, economic disruption, and lack of access to services affect communities just as severely.

For instance, in Los Angeles County, where housing is already scarce, losing homes can make finding new ones nearly impossible. After the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, homelessness surged by 16%. The rebuilding process has been slow, with many homes still not replaced.

When businesses are damaged, livelihoods vanish, leaving communities without access to essential services like food and healthcare. The effects ripple through the economy, making recovery even harder for displaced individuals. Longevity without proper housing leads to social isolation and more health problems, creating a cycle that impacts long-term health and wellbeing.

Nonprofit healthcare providers understand the consequences of wildfires on vulnerable populations. Many staff members go above and beyond, checking on patients at home and working in shelters while facing their own challenges. Often, it is members of the community who establish mobile health clinics and mental health resources to address growing needs in the aftermath of disaster.

Organizations like Direct Relief are committed to helping these communities over the long haul. They work closely with local partners to increase access to healthcare and build resilience, addressing the social and economic issues that can impact health for years.

In response to the wildfires in Los Angeles County, Direct Relief has provided over $100 million in medicines and supplies to support healthcare providers and first responders. Their teams are on the ground, delivering essential items like N95 masks, personal care products for evacuees, and medical supplies for field medics. Ongoing relief efforts are coordinated with various state and local agencies and healthcare partners throughout Southern California to ensure that communities continue to receive necessary support.

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