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While camping, you might see smoke in the distance from someone else’s camp or a wildfire. It’s important to remember that smoke varies in color and will have different origins and meanings. Read on to learn more about the meanings of different smoke colors so you know how to respond.
Black Smoke
You might see black smoke accompanied by red embers in the wind and a rising heart from the direction of the smoke. Black smoke indicates a currently burning object, and you need to avoid the direction of the smoke for your safety.
Remaining clear of the area will help firefighters reach the flames faster to extinguish them. As the flames extinguish, the smoke will thin out and transition to a white color.
White Smoke
White smoke represents different reactions that occur in various settings. When a heat source, such as paper or wood, becomes rapidly extinguished, moisture releases into the air and appears as a vapor similar to smoke.
White smoke may appear in a vehicle’s engine after a breakdown as coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and burns. While white smoke is not an immediate danger, it may require attention in a forest setting for cases like a malfunctioning engine.
Red Smoke
While it’s rare to see red smoke, it’s important to understand its meaning. Red smoke often comes from emergency flares or guns that glow a bright red-orange and leave a trail of red smoke behind. Red smoke originates from the reaction of different chemicals, such as red phosphorous, magnesium, and strontium nitrate.
You’ll need to call emergency personnel if you see red smoke in the sky, as it’s a sign that someone needs assistance and likely cannot move. If you see these flares on the side of the road at night, it means someone’s vehicle will not start. Regardless of the situation, approach cautiously, as you don’t know what caused a person to use the flare.
Blue Smoke
Blue smoke signifies the burning of chemical substances. Cigarette smoke will have a cold tinge from the thick smoke interacting with the light, making it appear blue to our eyes.
Blue-gray smoke indicates burning oil and will normally come from trucks and campers. Parts of the vehicle, such as the engine or turbocharger, will burn oil leaking into certain areas. Blue smoke is one of the signs of a leaking turbocharger and requires immediate attention before you hit the road to avoid more problems in the vehicle.
Vehicle malfunction will easily start a fire if parts of the vehicle erupt. Approach cautiously if you see blue smoke nearby, as a fire may spread from a neighboring camper’s vehicle.
Knowing what smoke color signifies is essential to avoiding the danger nearby. Remember these colors and their meanings to know the best action while camping or traveling and keep yourself safe outdoors.
