How Fast Is Smoke Rising?

Smoke rises at about 1 metre per second under thermal buoyancy. Above a strong fire it can reach 10 m/s as the convection column intensifies — which is what creates the characteristic 'pyrocumulus' clouds above wildfires.

Smoke rises because hot gases are less dense than cold air — but as it cools, smoke eventually settles. This is why smoke 'levels off' at a ceiling temperature in still air.

• Same as walking pace
• Above strong fires it can hit 10 m/s