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As efforts to control the devastating wildfires in California continue, air tankers are dropping bright red and pink powder over the suburbs of Los Angeles.
According to a report by WION on Tuesday, this substance, a fire retardant, has become a familiar sight in the area, with thousands of gallons being dropped last week to prevent the flames from spreading.
The fire retardant, known as FOSCHE, is sold by the company Perimeter and has been used in the United States since 1963. According to officials, it is the most widely used fire retardant in the world. A powder-like substance is typically sprayed on fire-prone land around a wildfire to prevent the flames from advancing, depleting oxygen and slowing fuel combustion.
Though it may appear as a harmless powder, the exact formula of FOSCHE is unknown, though it has been reported to contain 80% water, 14% fertilizer-type salts, 6% color agents, and corrosion inhibitors. The pink color helps pilots and firefighters track the application of the retardant.
The company recommends cleaning the powder off surfaces as soon as it is safe, as the longer it sits, the more difficult it becomes to remove. However, the use of this fire retardant has sparked controversy due to environmental concerns.
In 2022, a lawsuit filed by the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics claimed that FOSCHE violated U.S. clean water laws, arguing that the chemicals kill fish and are ineffective. While the U.S. District Judge allowed the use of the fire retardant with a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forest Service has now phased out the previous formula, opting for one that is less toxic to wildlife.
Additionally, the use of the retardant is now restricted in sensitive environmental areas such as waterways and habitats of endangered species.
