Forest fire propagation

The different phases in the development of forest fires and propagation regimes are characterized, together with the main factors affecting them. The problems of modelling the various fire behaviour regimes are mentioned, with particular relevance for surface fire propagation, both locally and globally. The role of convection and radiation processes on fire propagation is considered. From a set of laboratory experiments on the propagation of a linear fire front on an inclined surface, the linkage between convection and radiation in the fire propagation process is demonstrated. This result is generalised for wind driven fires and an interpretation for the global movement of the fire front under slope or wind conditions is presented.