More than just water is falling from planes battling fires raging in the Los Angeles area. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of hot pink extinguishing agent are being sent in front of the blaze in a desperate effort to stop the blaze before it destroys more areas.
The blaze has killed at least 24 people, displaced thousands and destroyed more than 12,000 structures since it broke out last Tuesday. Four fires caused by strong Santa Ana winds have scorched about 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), Cal Fire said.
Fire officials say the suppressant, which is most commonly used to extinguish forest fires, is an invaluable tool. But what’s in it and is it safe?
Here’s what you need to know:
Why is it used in Los Angeles?
Cal Fire said the fire was burning quickly in canyons and other rugged areas that were difficult for firefighters on the ground to reach.
Extinguishing agents are highly effective, but they have limitations, officials said. Strong winds could make the low altitude required for the fall dangerous, and the extinguishing agent could dissipate before it hits the ground.
In addition to Cal Fire, multiple agencies dropped retardant and water, including the U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County and Ventura County fire departments, cities, and the National Guard.
How do they work?
Daniel McCurry, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the University of Southern California, said aviation fire extinguishers typically contain water, ammonium phosphate (essentially fertilizer), and flame retardants added to make them visible. It is said to be a mixture of iron oxides.
The Forest Service used 13 planes to drop suppressants on the Los Angeles wildfires, which prevent fires from starving the fires of oxygen and slow the rate of combustion by cooling and coating vegetation and other surfaces. states that it is helpful.
Perimeter, which supplies flame retardants to the Forest Service and other agencies, says phosphates change the way plants break down cellulose, making them nonflammable.
Image: Wildfire race through Southern California
Potential effects on the environment and wildlife
Although fire extinguishing agents are generally considered safe for humans, many are concerned about the potential effects on wildlife.
The Forest Service prohibits the use of airborne retardants in waterways and endangered species habitat “unless human life or public safety is threatened” due to potential health effects on fish and other wildlife. It is prohibited.
McCurry and other researchers at USC said they tested several inhibitors and detected heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium, in inhibitors commonly used by the U.S. Forest Service.
McCurry said the findings suggest it is “plausible” that fire extinguishing agents may be contributing to the spike in chromium and other heavy metals in waterways downstream of wildfires. Ta.
“Conclusive evidence has yet to be found because it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove where heavy metals come from,” McCurry said. “We’re working on it.”
Perimeter, which makes flame retardants for the Forest Service, said McCurry’s study involves a formulation that is not used in California and is not currently used by the Forest Service. The company also says it does not add naturally occurring metals to all of its ammonium phosphate fertilizers, and that its airborne retardants have been “thoroughly tested by the USDA Forest Service and meet all health and safety standards.” It meets or exceeds it.”
Use of flame retardants is considered essential to avoid greater risks
The use of flame retardants poses health risks to millions of people, including health risks from toxic mixtures of fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream and cause respiratory and heart problems. It is essential for extinguishing wildfires.
Wildfire smoke accounts for up to half of the health-damaging particulate air pollution in the western United States in recent years, as rising temperatures have led to an increase in destructive fires, a study has found.
And a study published last year by the Alzheimer’s Association found that wildfire smoke may be more harmful to brain health than other types of air pollution, increasing the risk of dementia.
“Using wildland flame retardants is the best way to save lives, protect communities and keep fires small,” said Edward Goldberg, Perimeter’s Vice Chairman of Solutions.
McCurry, the University of Southern California researcher, said more research is needed on extinguishing agents, including in Los Angeles after the fires are extinguished, but he understands their value: “If a wildfire hits my house, Even if it comes, I’m still better than painting it.” There’s a lot of (fire retardant) in front of it. ”
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Webber reported from Fenton, Michigan.
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