Smoke Reading Reference
Volume, velocity, density, and color interpretation.
Reference
Reference
- Volume Greater volume implies more fuel pyrolyzing. Increasing volume with no opening change suggests growth or backdraft potential.
- Velocity High velocity from any opening indicates pressurized environment. Turbulent smoke at openings suggests ventilation-limited combustion.
- Density Thick black smoke indicates incomplete combustion and a fuel-rich environment. Lighter smoke suggests early-stage or ventilated combustion.
- Color Black smoke often indicates synthetic fuels burning fuel-rich. Brown smoke can indicate structural members pyrolyzing. White smoke suggests early-stage combustion or steam.
Checked against published worked examples from: IFSTA Building Construction for the Fire Service smoke attributes.
Details, formula, and sources
Formula or table(reference page; no compute) Volume / velocity / density / color interpretation framework from Dave Dodson's 'Reading Smoke' methodology, by name.
Source and editionDave Dodson 'Reading Smoke' fire-service training materials by name; NFA Tactical-Decision-Making materials.
Free accessNFA materials free at usfa.fema.gov.
What governsEstimate. AHJ and licensed fire protection engineer govern.