LA Turned Pink... A Desperate Measure to Stop the Wildfire

Aerial Fire Retardant Sprayed to Contain Wildfire
Bright Pink Color Used for Easy Identification

As the worst wildfire in Los Angeles (LA), USA, continues to rage uncontrollably, fire authorities are spraying fire retardants. However, as the LA wildfire site becomes covered in pink due to the fire retardant, concerns about its safety have also emerged online.

On the 13th (local time), foreign media including USA Today reported that fire authorities combating the large wildfire in California's LA deployed nine airplanes and 20 water-dropping helicopters to spray a red-colored fire retardant at the site. The pink liquid coloring the LA wildfire area is a fire retardant called 'Phos-Chek.' Fire retardants are generally used to coat combustible areas such as plants before a fire to prevent oxygen from fueling combustion. They are characterized by a bright pink color to make it easier for firefighters to identify.

Firefighting authorities combating a large wildfire in Los Angeles, California, deployed nine airplanes and 20 helicopters to drop red fire retardant at the site. Photo by Xinhua News Agency and Yonhap News Agency

It consists of a chemical mixture including ammonium polyphosphate and adheres to materials longer than water, effectively slowing or suppressing the spread of flames. Fire authorities deployed nine large airplanes and 20 water-dropping helicopters to spray the fire retardant at the LA wildfire site. The decision to spray the retardant was made to buy time for firefighters to control the flames amid delays in fire suppression caused by strong winds.

However, since fire retardants primarily serve to buy time for firefighting activities or act as a defensive line to prevent further fire spread, it remains crucial to extinguish the flames as quickly as possible. As the wildfire site became covered in pink, online reactions expressing concerns about safety also surfaced.

The U.S. government and the fire retardant manufacturer explained that Phos-Chek received USDA approval after passing tests conducted by a federal agency that determines whether it meets environmental safety standards. The manufacturer introduced it on their website as "the safest, most effective, and environmentally friendly product." However, the USDA mentions risks to fish and other aquatic life and requires Phos-Chek to be sprayed at least 300 feet (approximately 90 meters) away from waterways. EPA · Yonhap News

The U.S. government and the fire retardant manufacturer explained that Phos-Chek passed tests by federal agencies assessing compliance with environmental safety standards and received USDA approval. The manufacturer describes it on their website as "the safest, most effective, and environmentally friendly product." However, the USDA mentions risks to aquatic life such as fish and requires Phos-Chek to be sprayed at least 300 feet (about 90 meters) away from waterways. Exceptions are made when fires threaten life, property, or natural resources more than aquatic life. A study from the University of California reported that the fire retardant contains heavy metals, but the manufacturer has denied this claim.

Despite Firefighters' Struggles, Flames Continue to Spread

Meanwhile, the wildfires that began on the 7th in the LA area once increased to seven but have now decreased to three. As of the 12th, among the remaining three fires, the Hearst fire shows an 89% containment rate, but the Palisades and the other fire have only reached 13% and 27% containment, respectively. Concerns remain that strong winds could cause the flames to spread again, and firefighters continue their strenuous efforts. Currently, the LA area is facing difficulties in suppression as fire hydrants have dried up. The New York Times cited fire officials on the 12th, stating, "With fires occurring in multiple areas, high-altitude water storage tanks and supply pumping systems are unable to meet demand."

Currently, the Los Angeles area is facing difficulties in firefighting as fire hydrants are drying up. On the 12th, The New York Times cited fire department officials, stating, "As fires are occurring in multiple areas, the high-altitude water storage tanks and supply pumping systems are unable to meet the demand." Xinhua News Agency · Yonhap News Agency

In response, LA fire authorities are even using seawater, but concerns persist that the salt content in seawater could damage metal equipment such as water-dropping devices and fire pumps, potentially causing more harm than good. Additionally, seawater conducts electricity better than freshwater, posing risks to firefighters. Moreover, increased soil salinity disrupts plant osmosis and makes the soil toxic, hindering seedling growth, so it cannot be used as a definitive solution. The LA County Coroner's Office announced in an official statement on the 12th that "as of 5 p.m. that day, the death toll had risen to 24, with 16 people missing." As authorities have established a missing persons reporting center and begun searching affected areas, the number of deaths and missing persons is expected to increase further.