Perimeter Solutions has reported that San Diego County is applying PHOS-CHEK long-term fire retardant along high-risk roadways to lower wildfire threats.
According to the company, the program aims to protect more than 200 miles of vulnerable roads identified as fire-prone, including Wildcat Canyon.
It added that the treatment is part of a wider effort by the County of San Diego to strengthen wildfire prevention in areas where evacuation routes and wildfire activity historically overlap.
Supervisor Joel Anderson, representing District 2 on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, said: “My constituents have consistently said that fire safety and prevention is a top priority.
“This innovative and proactive approach we have taken helps keep everyone in our county safer.”
Perimeter Solutions explained that San Diego County maintains about 2,000 miles of roadway, of which more than 200 miles have been deemed high fire-risk.
It noted that Wildcat Canyon, a key evacuation corridor for Eastern San Diego County, is included in the treatment program.
The organisation stated that the road carries heavy daily traffic, and the combination of steep terrain and overheated vehicles has historically created wildfire ignition risks.
The County indicated that the program extends to vulnerable and underserved communities where roadways are critical to fire response.
Perimeter Solutions said that PHOS-CHEK is based on the same chemistry used in CAL FIRE’s aerial drops of red retardant during active wildfires.
The company explained that the ground-based version is colorless and designed to be applied once at the start of fire season.
It stated that the product works by coating flammable vegetation and other cellulosic materials, remaining effective until major rainfall occurs.
The manufacturer advised that this application provides a preventative barrier, giving firefighters more time to respond if ignition occurs nearby.
Perimeter Solutions reported that the program continues its collaboration with San Diego County on wildfire prevention measures.
Shannon Horn, Chief Operating Officer at Perimeter Solutions, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with the County of San Diego in their efforts to protect lives and property from wildfires.
“Their proactive strategy serves as a model for other communities facing similar wildfire risks.
“By leveraging advanced fire retardant technologies like PHOS-CHEK, San Diego County is leading the way in wildfire prevention and demonstrating a commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents.”
Perimeter Solutions reported that the San Diego County initiative is supported in part by a Community Wildfire Defense Grant.
It explained that the program was created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $1 billion over five years to support wildfire risk reduction.
The company added that community and tribal leaders are encouraged to apply for these grants and integrate fire retardants such as PHOS-CHEK into local mitigation plans.
The San Diego County application of PHOS-CHEK highlights how local authorities are integrating chemical retardants into road-based wildfire defense strategies.
It shows how pre-season treatment of evacuation routes and high-traffic corridors can reduce ignition risk in vulnerable areas.
The program also demonstrates how federal funding mechanisms, such as the Community Wildfire Defense Grant, can support regional mitigation projects that combine community planning with technical solutions.
This case may provide a framework for other counties or agencies evaluating long-term chemical retardant use in their fire prevention strategies.
Perimeter Solutions has reported that San Diego County is applying PHOS-CHEK long-term fire retardant to 200 miles of high-risk roads.
The County maintains about 2,000 miles of roadways, including Wildcat Canyon, which has been historically prone to wildfire.
Supervisor Joel Anderson said the program responds to community priorities for fire prevention and safety.
The PHOS-CHEK product uses the same chemistry as CAL FIRE aerial retardants but is applied on the ground before wildfire season.
The ground-based product is colorless, applied once per season, and remains effective until major rainfall occurs.
The County program also includes treatment of vulnerable and underserved communities.
Perimeter Solutions said the initiative continues its partnership with San Diego County on wildfire prevention.
Shannon Horn, Chief Operating Officer at Perimeter Solutions, said the approach can be a model for other fire-prone communities.
The initiative is partly funded by a Community Wildfire Defense Grant, created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The federal program set aside $1 billion over five years to support wildfire mitigation in high-risk areas.
