From the Bel Air Fire to Firebrake®: The Story of Boron Flame Retardants

The devastating 1961 Bel Air fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes, spurred innovation in flame retardant technology. U.S. Borax played a crucial role in controlling the blaze using borate compounds, leading to the development of Firebrake®, a groundbreaking zinc borate flame retardant. Decades of research culminated in products like Firebrake 500, offering superior thermal stability and widespread application in polymers. Today, U.S. Borax continues its commitment to developing advanced boron-based flame retardants, addressing the growing need for safer and more effective fire protection.