In the previous section on bush fires, some of the causes as well as methods bush fires can spread were discussed. This section covers some of the methods necessary in estimating distances and relative heights of bush fires. These observations are important since they relate to the extent and severity of the bush fires.
Most people can determine if there are bush fires around from rising smoke.
But it can be quite difficult to locate the direction of the bush fire and especially the distance to the fire. A very intense and widespread fire will send up a smoke cloud high up into the atmosphere. One of the most recent major bush fires occurred in 1994. This sent a large smoke cloud which covered the sun for a couple of days. This was an example of a very severe and widespread fire period.