What might be expected if the convection column from a fire is sheared off?

When the convection column from a fire is sheared off, it can have significant effects on how the fire behaves, particularly with the generation of embers and spotting. The convection column, which is the rising column of hot gases and smoke, plays a critical role in transporting heat and combustion products upwards into the atmosphere.

If this column is disrupted or sheared off, the potential for embers and heat to be lofted into the air and carried downwind is heightened. These embers can ignite new fires at some distance from the main fire front, which is referred to as spotting. Therefore, one would expect moderate to long-range spotting downwind as the sheared convective currents allow these embers to travel further away, possibly igniting new flare-ups in areas where conditions are conducive to fire spread.

In contrast, the other scenarios—no change in fire behavior, immediate extinguishment of the fire, and cessation of burning activity—do not accurately depict the dynamics that occur when the convection column is compromised. The disruption does not lead to extinguishment or a complete halt in burning; rather, it indicates an increased risk of spreading due to ember activity.