Tons of fire retardant dropped on Los Angeles to stop fire: report
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Angeles/US: A red streak wafts down from skies on homes and woods in many neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, which is different from the smoke that covers the area after fire.
This protective red fire retardant blankets homes, cars and residential streets, according to US Today.
Tons of fire retardant were dropped down on vast swaths of Southern California with several places appearing like covered in paint.
However, many on social media raised questions about the material, how it works and whether it is harmful for environs.
Meanwhile, news agency AP reported that authorities plied additional water tankers and firefighters in the area on Monday to fight ‘fierce winds’ which is predicted to occur, fueling the fires.
The infernos raging over the last few weeks have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.
Authorities are pulling all stops to control the fires and red retardant sprinkled is among the steps they have taken.
The long-term fire retardant has been in use for over 50 years to suppress fires, the outlet reported citing its manufacture Perimeter Solutions.
Known as Phos-Chek, this vibrant red material is mainly salts which, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, can alter ‘the way the fire burns, decreases the fire intensity, and slows the advance of the fire’.
However, citing environmental concerns, the agency directed against using it on ‘federal lands near waterways or habitats of endangered species’. However it is allowed only when ‘lives or critical infrastructure are threatened.’
It is reported that over 440 million gallons of long-term fire retardant were used between 2009 and 2021 on federal, state and private land.
The red colour of the fire retardant which many wanted to know online comes from the chemical component iron oxide or what is commonly called ‘rust’.
The red colour as it is seen easily from air helps firefighters battling the fire on ground, according to the report.
The long-term fire retardant protects infrastructure and populated areas as the components in its prevent cellulose in plant from fueling the fire.
The water vapour it emits ‘cools the fire’ thus leaving the fire without fuel.
Considering the safety concerns, it is reported that the material does not include substances that are linked to ‘cancer, developmental and/or reproductive harm.’