I has an almost football size smoke device from the navy and one July 4th I set it off in one of the beach communities, I had no idea it could do what it did, it was extraordinary, I was worried that it may trigger an investigation.
Way back in time when I was in high school some kid lit off a commercial grade marine smoke signal in the lower hallway. unbelievable amount of smoke. Fogged the whole school out. Several fire trucks showed up and we all got the day off. Never saw that kid again. So yeah I can see how it could smoke out a whole neighborhood.