Where is the best place to observe patterns of smoke?

Observing patterns of smoke from the outside of a building provides critical information about the fire's behavior and location. This perspective allows firefighters to see the color, volume, and movement of smoke, which can indicate the fire's intensity and possible locations of fire spread.

When smoke is visible, it can help identify if it is coming from the roof or windows, which can suggest where the fire might be located within the structure. Additionally, the way smoke is traveling – whether it is rising, billowing, or being drawn back into the building – can inform decisions about ventilation strategies, establishing safe entry points, and determining firefighting tactics.

Examining smoke patterns from the outside also minimizes risk to the observer, allowing for a safer evaluation of the situation before attempting an entry or initiating other firefighting operations. Understanding smoke movement and characteristics essentially aids in the development of an effective incident action plan.