The USDA Forest Service and others around the world have used phosphate-based fire retardants for more than 60 years to prevent the spread of wildfires. …fire retardant has proven to be an effective tool, helping firefighters protect structures and save lives. It has also helped to protect the environment from the far-reaching and sometimes irreversible damages caused by wildfires. This article examines more than 80 years of scientific research that has determined that phosphate is the safest, most effective fire retardant available. It explores the potential environmental consequences of not using fire retardants, and why tools like PHOS-CHEK® are more important than ever as we face longer, more intense wildfire seasons. …Phosphate-based fire retardants are not only scientifically proven to be the most effective tools for slowing or stopping wildfires, but they are also a critical line of defense in protecting the planet from the much greater environmental harm that wildfires cause.