Which term describes the phenomenon of high volume, high velocity, turbulent black smoke?

The phenomenon of high volume, high velocity, turbulent black smoke is best described by the term "black fire." This term captures the essence of the intense combustion and the production of thick, dark smoke that is often associated with fires burning in materials that release significant amounts of soot and particulate matter. This type of smoke typically indicates a rich fuel load, where incomplete combustion is occurring, resulting in the release of unburned carbon particles that contribute to the black appearance.

Black fire is associated with the conditions seen in structure fires where materials such as plastics and other synthetic substances are burning. These fires can spread rapidly and pose severe risks to both firefighters and occupants due to the visibility issues and highly toxic byproducts released.

Other terms, while related to fire phenomena, do not accurately encapsulate the characteristics of turbulent black smoke. For example, flashover refers to a sudden and rapid spread of fire where all combustibles in the area ignite, while smoldering fire describes a very low-flame, low-oxygen burn. Backdraft involves a sudden explosion or ignition of gases in a confined space when oxygen is reintroduced, typically after a fire has depleted the available oxygen, which is a different scenario than describing the turbulent smoke itself. Thus, "black fire"