What does the term "flame spread" refer to?

The term "flame spread" refers specifically to the propagation of flame over a surface. This concept is particularly important in fire safety and construction because it describes how flames move across materials, which can affect how rapidly a fire can spread within a structure. Understanding flame spread is crucial in selecting building materials and fire-resistant coatings that can inhibit or slow down this propagation, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

Flame spread is a critical factor in building codes and regulations, as it can influence design choices in residential and commercial buildings to ensure adequate fire protection measures are in place.