Eli5: why is volcanic ash dangerous to aircraft, and yet they can fly through forest fire smoke?

Question

Thank you!

In: 32

Answer 1

There is a difference between ash and smoke where smoke is primarily carbon soot and only the finest wood ash all the larger particles will remain in the pile of wood. Volcanic ash is tiny particles of rock that are abrasive like sand and is hydroscopic. And is explosively launched into the air.