Which of the following smoke colors would indicate a hot fire that has traveled some distance?

The presence of black smoke is an indicator of a hot fire that has been burning for some time and has traveled a distance. This is primarily due to the fact that black smoke is produced from the combustion of materials that contain a high carbon content, such as plastics and other synthetic materials. These materials tend to produce a denser, darker smoke as they burn, reflecting that the fire is consuming a significant amount of fuel and likely has considerable heat energy.

Additionally, black smoke signifies incomplete combustion, which often occurs when there is insufficient oxygen available for the fire. When fire has traveled distances, it may have consumed various building materials and contents, contributing to the mixture of smoke and its dark coloration.

Other smoke colors, such as tan, gray, or white, typically indicate different conditions of the fire. For example, gray smoke can indicate a cooler fire or a fire that has not yet reached full involvement, while white smoke is more commonly associated with the burning of water-soluble materials or steam, not necessarily indicating a hotter fire. Tan smoke can also correlate with a range of materials burning, often indicating a less intense combustion than what is suggested by black smoke.