What to Know About the Pink Flame Retardants Being Used for California Fires
Why are they being used in Los Angeles?
The fires are burning quickly through canyons and other rugged areas that are difficult for firefighters on the ground to reach, Cal Fire said. While fire suppressants can be very effective, they do have limitations, the agency said: Strong winds can make it too dangerous to fly at the low altitudes needed for drops and can dissipate the retardant before it hits the ground. Besides Cal Fire, multiple agencies have dropped fire retardant and water, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Los Angeles and Ventura county fire departments, the city and the National Guard.
How do they work?
Aerial fire suppressants are generally a mixture of water, ammonium phosphate – essentially fertilizer – and iron oxide, which is added to make the retardant visible, said Daniel McCurry, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Southern California. The Forest Service, which has used 13 aircraft to dump suppressants on the Los Angeles fires, says they help starve a fire of oxygen and slow the rate of burn by cooling and coating vegetation and other surfaces. Perimeter, the company that supplies fire retardant to the Forest Service and other agencies, says the phosphate changes the way cellulose in plants decomposes and makes them non-flammable.
Potential effects on environment and wildlife
The fire suppressants are generally considered safe for people, but many worry about their potential effects on wildlife. The Forest Service bans use of aerial suppressants over waterways and endangered species habitats, “except when human life or public safety are threatened,” due to potential health effects on fish and other wildlife. McCurry, from USC, said he and other researchers tested several suppressants and found heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium, in one commonly used by the U.S. Forest Service. McCurry said the study’s findings suggest that it’s “plausible” that fire suppressants could contribute to spikes of chromium and other heavy metals in waterways downstream of wildfires.
Use of retardants seen as imperative to avoid greater risks
The use of fire retardants is imperative to putting out wildfires that expose millions of people to health risks, including from a toxic mix of microscopic particles that can cause breathing and heart problems by penetrating deep into the lungs and bloodstream. Studies have shown that wildfire smoke accounted for up to half of all health-damaging particle air pollution in the western U.S. in recent years as warming temperatures fueled more destructive blazes. And research released last year by the Alzheimer’s Association found that wildfire smoke may be worse for brain health than other types of air pollution, raising the risk of dementia. “The use of wildland fire retardant is the best way to save lives, protect communities and keep fires small,” said Edward Goldberg, vice chairman of solutions at Perimeter.
Conclusion
Fire retardants are an essential tool in the fight against California’s devastating wildfires. While there are concerns about their potential effects on the environment and wildlife, the benefits of using these suppressants are clear. They can help stop fires in their tracks, protect homes and communities, and prevent the devastating health impacts of smoke inhalation. As the state continues to battle these blazes, it’s essential to continue researching the effects of fire retardants and to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.
FAQs
- What is in fire retardants?
Fire retardants are a mixture of water, ammonium phosphate, and iron oxide. - Are fire retardants safe for people?
Yes, fire retardants are generally considered safe for people. However, there are concerns about their potential effects on wildlife. - How do fire retardants work?
Fire retardants help starve a fire of oxygen and slow the rate of burn by cooling and coating vegetation and other surfaces. - Are fire retardants effective in stopping wildfires?
Yes, fire retardants can be very effective in stopping wildfires, especially in areas that are difficult for firefighters on the ground to reach.
