Understanding flame spread behavior

During a fire risk assessment, a client asked why certain wall finishes were restricted in escape routes. What does flame spread actually indicate?

Flame spread measures how quickly fire travels across a material’s surface once ignition occurs. It does not reflect fire resistance but helps assess how rapidly conditions can worsen. In escape routes, limiting flame spread is critical to maintaining tenable conditions. Explanations found in What is flame spread? clarify how this property is tested and applied in regulations. Understanding this concept helps clients appreciate why specific materials are permitted or prohibited in certain areas.