This is the 17182nd most frequent Russian word.
столбы
Pillars or posts.
In this sentence, 'столбы' refers to vertical posts used for holding up wires, typically used for electricity or communication.
На дороге мы видели старые деревянные столбы.
On the road, we saw old wooden posts.
Here, 'столбы' metaphorically represents vertical columns formed by smoke.
Столбы дыма поднимались высоко в небо после пожара.
Columns of smoke rose high into the sky after the fire.
In this context, 'столбы' refers to symbolic boundary markers, emphasizing their function as delimiters.