Savumerkkien

Savumerkit, also known as signal fires or smoke signals, are a form of long-distance visual communication. They utilize fire and smoke to convey messages. Typically, a fire is built in a visible location, such as a hilltop or elevated point. When a message needs to be sent, the fire is covered and uncovered repeatedly, often with a damp cloth or by adding green vegetation, to create bursts of smoke. The pattern of these smoke bursts, their duration, and frequency are interpreted according to a pre-arranged code.

Historically, savumerkit were employed by various cultures across the globe for purposes ranging from military communication to signaling warnings or rallying points. The effectiveness of savumerkit depends on factors like visibility, weather conditions, and the clarity of the smoke signals. While rudimentary, they offered a relatively fast method of transmitting information over significant distances before the advent of more advanced communication technologies. The codes used could be simple, conveying basic ideas, or more complex, allowing for a wider range of messages. Their reliance on line-of-sight means they were less effective in heavily forested or mountainous terrain where visibility was limited.