Definition & Operational Usage
Flow Path refers to the directional movement of heat, smoke, and combustion gases from areas of higher pressure within a burning structure to areas of lower pressure, often exiting through openings such as doors and windows. This phenomenon is critical for understanding fire dynamics and is particularly relevant in the context of Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) operations. Not to be confused with smoke movement, which may not always indicate a flow path, flow paths specifically involve the pressure differentials created by fire behavior.
Category context: Core tactics, command, suppression, ventilation, search, and water supply terminology used on the fireground.
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