As wildfires intensify, state and federal fire agencies are relying more on aerial fire retardant, sparking concerns over its ...

“Historically, flame retardant use to meet flammability standards has resulted in documented health risks without ...

Authorities battling a series of large wildfires in the Los Angeles area have employed a bright red fire retardant to tamp the flames, leading to dramatic images of the material blanketing scores ...

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 ...

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.

Fire retardants, on the other hand, contain fertilizer and other ingredients that don't evaporate once the water they're mixed with is gone, delaying a fire's spread for days, weeks or longer.

It's apparent that these red trails are used to stop the spread of wildfires, but what makes up fire retardant and why is it different than only using water to fight wildfires? What is the red ...

By Hiroko Tabuchi From above the raging flames, these planes can unleash immense tankfuls of bright pink fire retardant in just 20 seconds. They have long been considered vital in the battle ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Pink fire retardant is raining from the skies in Los Angeles as firefighters try everything ...

But what is in them and are they safe? FILE - A vehicle is covered in fire retardant while crews battle the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. The fires are ...

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.