What term describes the spread of flames over the surface of a material?

The term that describes the spread of flames over the surface of a material is flame spread. This concept is fundamental in fire science and building safety, as it indicates how quickly and effectively fire can travel across combustible surfaces. Flame spread is measured to assess the fire risk of materials used in construction, which is crucial for determining building codes and safety regulations.

Understanding flame spread is important in evaluating the potential for a fire to propagate, affecting the design and selection of materials in order to minimize fire hazards and improve occupant safety. The emphasis on controlling flame spread is one of the key outcomes of fire prevention efforts and is a critical factor in fire testing standards.