PICS: Surreal Los Angeles turns pink as fire retardant rains down
The fires have claimed at least 25 lives and scorched approximately 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area.
Pink substance covers Los Angeles / X: @isawthismorning
Clarence Ford interviews Barbara Friedman about this and other trending news on social media.
Listen below.
As wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, pink fire retardant has been falling from the skies over Los Angeles.
The substance being deployed to combat the flames is called Phos-Chek.
Primarily composed of water, ammonium phosphate (a compound commonly found in fertiliser), and pink dye, Phos-Chek is thickened with gum to enhance the precision of aerial drops.
Typically, plants exposed to a fire’s intense heat decompose and become additional fuel.
However, Phos-Chek creates a protective coating that absorbs the heat energy, slowing the fire’s spread.
The chemical reaction produces a nonflammable carbon material, slowing the blaze and giving firefighters crucial time to control the flames.
Could that pink flame-retardant color (minus the chemicals) become the official shade of LA's recovery? Looks like Pantone 182C (can someone confirm?)—imagine it on T-shirts, hoodies, scarves, or phone cases to help fundraise and spread positivity as the city rises from the ashes… pic.twitter.com/c06iaKAgIW
— alasdair lennox (@isawthismorning) January 14, 2025
Could the vibrant pink of flame-retardant drops (minus the chemicals) become the official color of LA's recovery? Resembling Pantone 806 C, this bold hue could symbolize resilience and hope. Picture it on T-shirts, hoodies, hats, or water bottles, raising funds and spreading… pic.twitter.com/r0ofaLHdMe
— alasdair lennox (@isawthismorning) January 15, 2025
🎦🇺🇸- What is the pink powder being used to fight fires in Los Angeles, California? pic.twitter.com/6Ka5v0S5Ei
— Iyane (@XTechPulse) January 14, 2025
"The pictures are surreal."
- Barbara Friedman
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.