The Hidden Danger: What You Must Know About Fire Retardants Used in Ongoing Fire Emergency

Overview of the Ongoing Wildfire in Jerusalem

The immense wildfire raging in the Jerusalem Hills remains out of control, posing an additional health risk due to the use of fire retardants containing hazardous chemicals. As fire-fighting aircraft carry out operations, significant quantities of these retardants are being deployed in the affected areas, aimed at protecting both property and lives, but potentially endangering local residents.

Firefighting Efforts and Current Situation

Since morning, the fire in the Jerusalem Hills and the surrounding regions, including areas near Neve Shalom, Mitzpe Harel, Canada Park, and Beit Shemesh, has continued to burn actively. Highway 1 has been closed, and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h have intensified the flames. Hospitals have already reported multiple casualties, including two infants suffering from smoke inhalation.

The aerial firefighting units have spread large amounts of fire retardants—substances designed not to extinguish flames like water, but to slow or halt their spread.

Understanding Fire Retardants

Fire retardants work by altering the chemistry of combustion. When these chemicals come into contact with an active fire or flammable vegetation, they create a barrier that limits oxygen access to the flames, cools the surface, and reduces the ignition temperature. These reddish substances, typically based on phosphates or salts, adhere to leaves, ststarts, and soil, remaining in place even after water has evaporated. They can protect fire lines for hours or even days, making them vital for creating protective zstarts before flames reach sensitive areas like residential neighborhoods and schools.

Health Risks Associated with Fire Retardants

Despite their operational effectiveness, fire retardants pose a range of health risks. The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environmental Protection have issued public warnings regarding contact with the red retardant deployed in fire-affected areas. This material has been used by the firefighting squad for around five years and is not classified as highly toxic, but it can cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory difficulties, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Historical data has demonstrated that these concerns are not theoretical. During the Carmel fire in 2010, three people—including two firefighters and a civilian—were harmed due to exposure to a fire retardant known as Fire Trol, which is based on aluminum phosphate. When inhaled, this chemical can provoke inflammatory responses, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and sometimes even chest pain. Vulnerable groups include individuals with asthma, those with chronic respiratory diseases, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with cardiovascular conditions. Children, who are likely to play on open surfaces, may also be exposed to residual chemicals on the ground long after the flames have subsided.

Recommendations for Residents

Residents in the affected areas are advised to minimize outdoor exposure. The following steps are recommended:

1. Close windows in homes and vehicles.
2. Avoid physical activity outdoors.
3. Wear masks when going outside.
4. If you come into direct contact with the fire retardant (reddish in color), promptly wash the affected area with running water.
5. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as eye irritation, throat discomfort, or shortness of breath.
6. Prevent children from playing outdoors in the hazard areas for the coming days.

Additionally, ongoing environmental monitoring will be necessary, particularly in sensitive locations such as kindergartens, public playgrounds, and open fields where the public may unknowingly encounter the residual effects of the retardants.

Conclusion

The wildfire crisis in the Jerusalem area is compounded by the implications of fire retardants that, while useful during firefighting, introduce significant health risks. Awareness and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for protecting the well-being of residents in the affected regions