Monocultures, Glyphosate Fanning Flames of Forest Fires

Recently, images of air tankers releasing bright red and pink powder over Los Angeles suburbs have taken the internet by storm.

The dramatic, almost surreal sight has a practical purpose as the Forest Service uses fire retardants to help fight the raging wildfires. These substances coat vegetation and surfaces to starve the fire of oxygen, slow the burn and give ground crews a fighting chance.

The vibrant colours serve another purpose too—helping pilots see where they’ve already dropped the retardant, ensuring efficient coverage without overlap. Ground crews use the bright lines as markers, staying behind the treated areas where the fire’s intensity has been reduced.

But here’s the thing: While these chemical suppressants might help fight fires, they’re not without their downsides. Recent research suggests they can be harmful to both human health and the environment. The chemicals in fire retardants pose risks to fish, wildlife and sensitive ecosystems, prompting the Forest Service to  restrict their use near waterways and habitats of endangered species—except when human lives or public safety are at risk.