A flashover warning is indicated by which type of smoke?

A flashover warning is indicated by which type of smoke?

• A. Turbulent smoke
• B. Steady smoke
• C. White smoke
• D. No smoke

Answer: (A)

When a room fire is approaching flashover, the smoke becomes turbulent because hot gases bunch, roll, and mix chaotically near the ceiling. That irregular, swirling smoke movement shows the layer is unstable and the heat buildup is releasing rapidly, signaling that a sudden transition to flashover could occur. Steady smoke would indicate a more stable conditions and less imminent danger, white smoke often means steam or cooler products, and no smoke would imply little to no active burning. So the turbulent, chaotic smoke is the telltale sign of an approaching flashover.

When a room fire is approaching flashover, the smoke becomes turbulent because hot gases bunch, roll, and mix chaotically near the ceiling. That irregular, swirling smoke movement shows the layer is unstable and the heat buildup is releasing rapidly, signaling that a sudden transition to flashover could occur. Steady smoke would indicate a more stable conditions and less imminent danger, white smoke often means steam or cooler products, and no smoke would imply little to no active burning. So the turbulent, chaotic smoke is the telltale sign of an approaching flashover.