Final answer:
The fire Montag saw after leaving the river was giving warmth and comfort instead of destroying things, symbolizing a new beginning and contrasting with the destructive fires of his past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fire that Montag saw after leaving the river was different because it was giving warmth and comfort, not destroying things. Unlike the fires that he was used to, which were characterized by destruction, this fire represented a form of human connection and survival, not a tool of oppression or censorship. The difference symbolizes a shift in Montag's perception and signifies a new beginning for him, one that contrasts with the cold and destructive nature of the fires started by the firemen in his former life.