Parts of Southern California are covered with pink fire retardant as firefighters try to control deadly wildfires raging in Los Angeles. But what is Phos-Chek fire retardant and is it safe?

In the wake of the California wildfire news coverage, you’re likely to have seen cars, trucks, homes and much more covered in a hot pink, powdery mixture. What exactly is it – and why are aerial firefighters spreading across many neighborhoods?

Aircraft battling fires raging through the Los Angeles area are dropping more than water: Hundreds of thousands of gallons of hot-pink fire suppressant have been dumped ahead of the flames in a desperate effort to stop them before they destroy more neighborhoods.