The death toll from wildfires that have been raging near Los Angeles since early this month rose to 29 on Monday, officials said.

The toxic smoke from the fires, combined with disruption to the economy, health care system, and mental health may lead to thousands of deaths over the coming years.

The most destructive fires in the city’s history claimed 27 lives. Officials say that number will likely increase.

South African rescuers have so far pulled 78 bodies and rescued 166 people from the Stilfontein gold mine over three days of operations, police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told reporters at the scene on Wednesday.

At least 29 people are believed to be dead and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across Southern California.