Why Is California Using Pink Powder to Fight Wildfires?

All over the mainstream news and social media, viewers are watching planes drop large vats of water and a mysterious pink powder to combat the out-of-control wildfires in California. What’s the point behind the pink chemical and what is it? 

Firefighting relief crews are dropping these chemicals as flame retardants to slow the spread of the fires. In their wake, they have coated many homes and valuable personal assets, but without it, the fires will spread quickly and fiercely. We’ll break down the chemical further along this piece to describe how what is in the pink powder eases the California wildfires. 

The efforts are having a positive effect. The Palisades fire was estimated at a containment level of 22% a week after it started. While the fires continue to spread, residents who are still around will continue to see frequent pink drops. 

What’s in the Pink Powder Used to Combat California Fires?

The Pink Powder dropped from the planes during the California wildfires is called Phos-Chek. Phos-Chek is a brand of fire retardants. It was first commercially available in 1962. Phos-Chek is currently manufactured by Perimeter Solutions.