What behavior describes a fire that burns without flames and has minimal spread?

The behavior that describes a fire burning without flames and exhibiting minimal spread is smoldering. In this phase, combustion occurs at a slow rate, primarily producing heat and smoke, but not visible flames. This is often seen in organic materials like leaves and moss that burn gradually, leading to smoldering fires that can remain active for extended periods without significant fire spread.

In contrast, backing refers to a fire that spreads slowly against the wind, while spotting involves the creation of fire brands that can ignite new fires ahead of the main fire. Crowning occurs when fire spreads through the tops of trees and can move rapidly through the canopy, which is very different from the characteristics of smoldering. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for wildland firefighters in predicting fire movement and implementing effective suppression strategies.