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Phos-chek to keep fires at bay

Low flying planes dropping red fire retardant in the face of bushfire threats is a common sight in Australia and North America. The chemical is Phos-Chek, a fertiliser-based product made in the US and used by fire-fighting agencies since the early 1960s. Source: The Weekly Times

It is usually blended with red dye so the pilots know which area has been covered as they turn for another pass.

Now, for the first time, a formulation called Phos-Chek LC95-W is available in Australia for household and agricultural use – without the red dye – sold as a concentrate in 2.5-litre or 15-litre pails.

Shipped from the US in bulk, it is distributed in Australia by Firebreak Spray Systems, of Dandenong South in Victoria, which sells the product online through its website and distributors.

The active ingredient in Phos-Chek is ammonium phosphate, the same as for many agricultural fertilisers. This is mixed into a liquid concentrate that also includes thickeners, flow conditioners, corrosion inhibitors and water.

The product works on the flammability of wood, plants and other fuel materials by changing their combustibility when exposed to fire.

The heat changes the treated surface into carbon, releasing water. The water boils off, leaving a coating of graphite-like carbon, which insulates and restricts air flow, virtually “starving” the fire of fuel.

Ray Jones owns Firebreak Spray Systems with business partner Warren Otter.

“Both Warren and I have been involved in the builders’ hardware industry for more than 20 years and we go to an international show in the US every year to scout for new ideas,” Jones said. “It was there we met the people from Phos-Chek (US) and the partnership was formed.

“Phos-Chek already had a presence in Australia which focused on supplying our fire authorities, but was very keen to have someone marketing the product here at the domestic and agricultural level.

“We promote the product via our website and Facebook pages and at community events, with our next displays at the Emerald CFA Safety Expo on November 24 and Seymour Expo next February.

“The idea is to create a fire exclusion zone around your home or other buildings, then spray around the perimeter of the property as well.

“You can also spray plants close to the house, your deck and the barge boards.

“In the US, farmers are spraying their timber fence posts, so if a grass fire comes the posts won’t burn, keeping their fences in place and livestock secure.”

Phos-Chek LC-95W works long-term and remains effective until washed off by strong hosing or rainfall of 6-10mm.

Farm or domestic animals eating small amounts of foliage coated with Phos-Chek retardant have shown no ill-effects, but the company warns users should see the vet if a pet swallows a large amount.

Like fertiliser, retardant that is not removed from vegetation after a fire has passed may cause leaves to turn brown. But after heavy watering or substantial rain, the plants should return to normal and even receive a nutritional boost.