Pink flame retardants are being used to slow California fires. What do we know about them?
Monday, 13 January 2025 Aircraft battling fires raging through the Los Angeles area are dropping more than water: Hundreds of thousands of gallons of hot-pink fire suppressant have been dumped ahead of the flames in a desperate effort to stop them before they destroy more neighborhoods. Fire agencies say the suppressants — most often used to fight forest fires — are an invaluable tool. But what should we know about them? One expert said they're generally a mixture of water, ammonium phosphate — essentially fertilizer — and iron oxide, which is added to make the retardant visible. They're seen as safe for humans but some worry about their effects on wildlife or the environment. Still, they're seen as essential to stopping fires that can be even greater threats.
Above the roaring fires devastating parts of Los Angeles is an incongruous sight: air tankers dropping gallons of bright red and Barbie-pink slurry over forest, homes, cars, and anything else that might lie in the blazes' path. The substance, vivid against the grey smoke and charred landscape, is...
California’s battle against deadly wildfires has taken a dangerous twist. As rains fall over scorched landscapes, residents now face new threats: mudslides and toxic ash runoff. With over 28 lives..
The devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have left countless residents displaced, including numerous high-profile celebrities. Among the notable figures who have tragically lost their homes are..
Bright pink powder blanketing Los Angeles has caught the attention of many as fire retardant Phos-Chek is dropped by air tankers to control wildfires. This chemical barrier prevents flames from..
Monday, 13 January 2025
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