What indicates that turbulent smoke is present during a fire?

Turbulent smoke during a fire is characterized by its agitated appearance, which resembles boiling or churning. This visual cue indicates that the smoke is being disturbed by rapid airflow, often caused by the heat and pressure of the fire itself. When smoke is turbulent, it can signify that the fire is getting more intense or that it is consuming fuel in a chaotic manner, leading to a more dangerous situation for both firefighters and potential victims.

Observing smoke that is white and billowy could indicate a less aggressive burning, as this type of smoke is often associated with smoldering fires or items that are burning in a more stable fashion. A strong chemical odor in the smoke may point to specific materials being burned but does not signify turbulence. Finally, smoke that flows steadily and calmly is indicative of a controlled or less intense fire scenario. Thus, the distinguishing feature of the agitated, boiling appearance of smoke is what clearly marks the presence of turbulence during a fire.