During an Alpha fire, what is a common observation?

In the context of fire classifications, an Alpha fire typically involves ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. The presence of white smoke is a key indicator of this type of fire, as it usually indicates that materials like paper or wood are burning. White smoke is often the result of water vapor and partially burned materials being released into the air during combustion.

This observation is consistent with the characteristics of an Alpha fire, where organic materials are the primary fuel source. In contrast, black smoke is generally associated with the burning of hydrocarbons or synthetic materials, while blue smoke is often related to electrical fires or those involving petroleum products. The presence of burning metals and jettisoning materials points toward more complex fire situations, typically classified as Delta fires, which involve metals and other reactions not typical of an Alpha fire scenario. Thus, observing white smoke and burning paper or wood aligns directly with the nature of Alpha fires.