LA: pink powder used to contain fire leaves an impressive trail; see photos

The pink powder dumped in areas of Los Angeles to contain the fires that have been spreading across California since January 7th has left traces throughout the neighborhoods of the North American city, according to images released by the international press in recent days.

What happened

Called Phos-chek, pink powder works as a flame retardant that helps contain fires. Aerial fire suppressants like this are usually a mixture of water, ammonium phosphate (a compound also used in fertilizers) and iron oxide. This last ingredient is added to make it visible — giving the product its vibrant color in the Los Angeles sky, Daniel McCurry, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California, explained to CBS.

The Forest Service has already used 13 aircraft to dump dust on the outbreaks of five forest fires that are raging in the state. Phos-chek helps to deprive the flames of oxygen and reduce the burning rate until the focus is extinguished, cooling the vegetation, soil and other affected surfaces.