The city of Los Angeles in California, USA, is engulfed in a devastating wildfire. Firefighters are working tirelessly to bring the blaze under control. However, even after seven days, there is no sign of the fire subsiding. Meanwhile, houses, roads, and vehicles in the city have been covered in a red-pink powder.  

What is this powder, and how does it help control wildfires? It has been identified as a type of fire retardant. To curb the spread of wildfires, this colored powder is sprayed over vast areas from the air. Officials reported that thousands of gallons of red-pink powder were dropped from airplanes in Los Angeles last week. The substance, called "Phos-Chek," is manufactured by a company named Perimeter. Since 1963, Phos-Chek has been used in the United States to combat wildfires, and California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has relied on it as a primary tool for years.  

In a 2022 report, news agency AP mentioned that Phos-Chek is one of the most widely used substances globally for extinguishing wildfires. Several photos circulating on social media show cars and streets blanketed in pink powder. Perimeter has provided instructions for residents on how to clean it up.  

The company advised that the longer the powder is left to dry, the harder it becomes to remove. For small areas, warm water and a little detergent can be used to clean it, while larger surfaces require high-pressure water.  

The red-pink color of Phos-Chek serves a specific purpose. It makes the substance visible to pilots and firefighters, helping them carry out their operations effectively. It is used in areas at high risk of fire to prevent the spread of flames.