What does the term "fire behavior" refer to?

The term "fire behavior" encompasses the manner in which fire interacts with its surroundings, which includes a variety of factors such as fuel type, weather conditions, and topography. Understanding fire behavior is essential for predicting how a fire will spread, what direction it will take, and how intense it might become, making it a critical component in fire management and safety strategies.

While aspects like the rate of spread, destructiveness, flame color, and smoke volume can all be influenced by fire behavior, they are specific outcomes or characteristics rather than defining what fire behavior itself is. By focusing on the broader interactions and reactions of fire within the environment, one gains a comprehensive understanding of how fires operate and evolve, allowing for better preparation and response to wildland fires.