What to know about the red fire retardant being used against wildfires

In southern France, firefighters are using a chemical retardant, dropped from planes to combat wildfires. The red substance is critical in containing fire spread, France 24 says, though its use carries documented risks to the environment and potentially to human health. Firefighters maintain it remains an essential weapon against the flames.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton