S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Resource to Master Fire Behavior!

Question: 1 / 400

What could rising smoke from a burning haystack indicate about the atmosphere?

A stable atmosphere

An unstable atmosphere

Rising smoke from a burning haystack indicates an unstable atmosphere. In an unstable atmosphere, the air near the surface is warmer than the air above it, which allows for the warm air and smoke to rise. The rising motion is a result of this thermal uplift, where the heated air becomes less dense and buoyant compared to the cooler air surrounding it.

In contrast, a stable atmosphere would suppress vertical movement, causing smoke to disperse horizontally rather than rise. Factors like high humidity levels or low temperature conditions can also contribute to stability, further preventing smoke from ascending effectively. Therefore, when smoke rises freely and straight up, it is a clear sign of instability in the atmosphere, signaling the potential for increased fire behavior and intensity.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

High humidity levels

Low temperature conditions

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy