Beacon Signal Duration
Calculate how long your signal fire will burn
Signal Type
Signal Duration
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hours/minutes
Estimated Duration
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km
Visible Distance
-
cycles
Signal Cycles Possible
Select signal type to calculate duration.
🔥 Signal Fire Guidelines
Fire Size vs Duration
- Small fire: ~2 hours with 1-2 armloads of fuel
- Medium fire: ~4 hours with 3-5 armloads
- Large fire: ~8 hours with continuous fuel supply
Signal Patterns
- 3 fires in a triangle: Universal distress signal (airstrip pattern)
- Continuous smoke: Ground visible, aerial less visible
- 3 puffs of smoke alternating with flames: Standard rescue signal
Optimizing Visibility
Use green branches/wet material for white smoke. Use dry, dark material for black smoke (better contrast). Build fire on elevation when possible.