Smoke seen over Panama City, Southport and Lynn Haven in Florida on Thursday was linked to a 472-acre prescribed burn in the Breakfast Point area, rather than an uncontrolled wildfire.
What caused the smoke?
According to the Panhandle Weather Facebook page, winds blowing from the southwest towards the northeast carried smoke from the controlled burn across Panama City and towards Southport and Lynn Haven.
Officials indicated there was no immediate threat of the fire spreading.
Why does the smoke look unusual?
The intense heat from the prescribed burn has also produced a pyrocumulus cloud. Despite its smoky appearance, this is actually a cloud formed when hot air generated by the fire rises, cools and condenses.
The phenomenon can make a controlled burn appear much larger or more threatening than it is.
Is Panama City in danger?
Based on the information provided, there is no indication that the smoke is from a dangerous wildfire threatening nearby communities. Residents may continue to see smoke and the associated cloud formation as winds carry it across the area.