In the arsenal to combat dangerous wildfires, fire retardant is an important tool deployed to stop the spread of the flames in wildland fire events. The Cal Fire tankers droning overhead, then dive-bombing the blaze and unleashing a barrage of bright red liquid is a welcome sight in the Anza Valley when fire threatens.This liquid, often called by its brand name Phos-Chek, is made by Perimeter Solutions, which offers many fire chemical products, including firefighting foams and gels. Fire retardants help slow, stop and prevent the start of wildfires by making wildland fuels non-flammable.The first Phos-Chek retardant product was available in 1962 and was the first phosphate-based fire retardant approved by the United States Forest Service. It is used by both Cal Fire and the U.S. Fo
