The report, prepared by Earth Economics for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, says trees provide a useful function by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, and the blaze has reduced that oxygen output.
The value of carbon storage lost in the fire is between $102 and $797 million, the reportsaid, using data collected in September, before the Rim Fire was extinguished.
In addition, the fire has reduced the value of nearby private property by between $49.7 and 265 million, it said.
The fire, started by a hunter's illegal campfire, burned across about 256,000 acres before it was contained in October.
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