What is fire behavior?
The term fire behavior is used to describe the magnitude, direction, and intensity of
fire spread. The magnitude is measured as the velocity, in m/s, of the leading edge of the flaming portion of the
fire. The direction is measured as the bearing of the leading edge of the fire and will vary from 0
to 360 degrees. Finally, the intensity is measured as the energy released from the fire per unit
area, in J/m2. A fire which spreads rapidly and releases a large amount of energy is sometimes referred to as
a conflagration or firestorm. Fires burning through Southern California chaparral can display this type of
behavior. Fires which spread rapidly, but with low intensity, are sometimes referred to as flashy. Fires
burning through grass, which lacks the biomass of chaparral, are often described in this way. A fire which
spreads neither rapidly nor with great intensity is referred to as a creeping fire. Typically, a fire
spreading downslope without the assistance of the wind is describd in this way.
Last Updated: Marco Morais