Ruth Jenkins, a nearly 90-year-old from Altadena, California, shared with Fox News Digital her hope for the future after losing everything in the wildfires.

The powdered substance sprayed over the California wildfires is called Phos-Chek. It contains ammonium phosphate — an ingredient commonly found in fertilizer.

As wildfires rage across Southern California, authorities are deploying pink flame retardants in a desperate effort to contain the flames. But what exactly are these chemicals, and what do we know about their effectiveness and environmental impact?

Crews battling the deadly Los Angeles wildfires have been dropping a bright pink fire retardant across the city ahead of the advancing flames – leaving some wondering what the substance is, and how safe it is for the public and environment.

The bright substance blanketing areas of Los Angeles County has long been used to stop wildfires from spreading.

Los Angeles is witnessing fast-moving and destructive wildfire, which has led to the deaths of at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and scorched an area of more than 60 square miles.