Yes, sometimes when light catches fog, steam, or any other kind of obfuscating vapor, it can look like fire. Steam, when visible, is vaporous and looks like smoke.
So when you see the steam, and you follow it down to its source, depending on where you're looking, you might think you're looking at a fire.
Unfortunately, many New Yorkers thought they were looking at just that at the top of 1 World Trade Center Tuesday evening.
A panic took ahold of social media, and many, many concerned New Yorkers believed they were witnessing the devastation of another New York City landmark.
To be fair, 1 WTC is tall enough that any view of the top is somewhat murky, especially after sunset.
Both WTC officials and the FDNY took to twitter to clear up any confusion, though it took longer than anyone would hope. Initial outcry began around 6 p.m., and it wasn't until around 8 p.m., when the NYPD's 1st precinct tweeted: "THERE IS NO FIRE!" that people calmed down.
New Yorkers have every reason to be wary, but to remain skeptical after officials have examined the scene and can say with certainty that there is no fire? Well, that might be a little ridiculous.
[anad]
Youtuber CheersKevin captured video of the scary sight. We're not sure what the lesson here is, though. We think it's safe to say that if it looks like fire, you should still always assume it's fire.
Of course, if authorities take to the same channels you did to clear up the fact that it's not a fire, it's probably safe to assume that it's not a fire. Check out the video below.
Check out Friday Morning's Terrifying Crane Accident Was Caught on Video.
[via New York Daily News] [Feature Image Courtesy CBS New York]