LOS ANGELES — For most Californians, the sight of aircraft spewing neon pink liquid over flaming trees and brush has become a hallmark of aggressive wildfire suppression campaigns — if not a potent symbol of government's struggle to control increasingly destructive forest fires.
But as the use of aerially delivered retardant has soared in recent years, some forest advocates say the substance does more harm than good. They claim wildfire retardant drops are expensive, ineffective and a growing source of pollution for rivers and streams.
"There's no scientific evidence that it makes any difference in wildfire outcomes," said forester Andy Stahl. "This is like dumping cash out of airplanes, except that it's toxic and you can't buy anything with it because it doesn't work."
