Smoke rises. Then, why do we use smoke machines horizontally during a training exercise? This does not make any sense. With the right knowledge and the right smoke machine, numerous RSTV signals can be simulated. Today we give you a tip on simulating black smoke!
Black smoke
Without a doubt, the most cherished desire in the field of smoking machines is the creation of black smoke. It is not yet possible to generate black smoke directly from a smoke machine, without this smoke being harmful. Which is unfortunate. However, it is possible to simulate black smoke. And the great news is that this can be achieved with few resources. Most fire brigades already have everything at their disposal!
The illusion
The basic principle of the illusion of black smoke is best explained with an example with a flashlight and a hand. You are in a dark room facing your colleague. Shine your colleague on his hand with the flashlight. His hand should be flesh-colored. Now give the flashlight to your colleague. And let him shine his own hand from behind that hand. Your eyes now perceive the hand as a silhouette; the hand is black.
The FireWare Cumulus and FireWare Stratus are the ideal smoke machines for simulating RSTV signals.
Simulate with practice smoke
This basic principle can also be applied to practice smoke. By correctly placing a light source behind the smoke layer, for example a firelight spot, it is perceived as black.
In addition to these signals, there are of course many other possibilities with your smoke machine. Smoke in shades of gray, suction and pressure of smoke at a door frame, swirling smoke from an eaves, stalactites in a smoke layer, and much more. Would you like to explore the possibilities further? Then consider a staging training at FireWare!
