By A pink powder has been sprayed from aircraft over Los Angeles to help combat the devastating wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least 24 people and caused billions of dollars in property damage. This substance, known as “fire retardant,” is widely used to reduce the intensity of fires and prevent them from spreading further.
First utilized by firefighters in the United States in 1963, fire retardant has become an essential tool in the battle against wildfires, although its use has not been without controversy.
The powder is composed of 80% water, 14% salt, and small amounts of colorants and other chemicals, according to its manufacturer, Perimeter Solutions. The company advises authorities to clean up the powder as soon as possible after use, as it can be difficult to remove once it dries. The US Forest Service notes that the powder works by reducing the oxygen available to the fire, thereby slowing its spread.
However, the use of the powder has been the subject of controversy in the past. In 2022, a group of current and former US Forest Service employees sued the agency, alleging that the use of the powder was harming fish and other aquatic life. A district judge ruled in their favor, but allowed the Forest Service to continue using the powder, citing its approval by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
