Which of the following is a sign of altered fire behavior patterns?

Sudden changes in flame direction are indicative of altered fire behavior patterns because they often signal dynamic changes in the environment or fire conditions that are not typical. Such changes can be caused by several factors including the influence of wind shifts, the presence of fuels with varying combustibility, or structural features that may channel or redirect flames unexpectedly. This behavior can pose increased risks to firefighters and requires immediate attention and adaptation in firefighting tactics to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In contrast, decreasing smoke intensity, uniform temperature distribution, and consistent fire growth rate typically suggest stable fire conditions, which do not signal the rapid variability seen in altered fire behavior. These stable indicators would lead to a more predictable and manageable fire scenario, allowing firefighters to strategize their approach without the urgent need to adapt to unexpected changes.