Which of the following describes a fire behavior where flames are present but the fire spreads very slowly?

The term "creeping" is used to describe a fire behavior condition where flames are visible, but the fire spreads at a very slow rate. This slow movement is often characteristic of fires in areas with plenty of moisture or where the fuel is sparse and not conducive to rapid spread. In contrast, the other terms refer to different forms of fire behavior.

"Smoldering" indicates a phase of combustion that produces smoke without visible flames, making it distinct from creeping. "Backing" refers to fire movement against the wind or down a slope, which can also be slow, but is specifically oriented by wind direction. "Running" implies a rapid increase in fire spread, characterized by flames moving quickly through available fuels.

Understanding these distinctions helps firefighters assess fire behavior accurately, which is crucial for safety and effective firefighting strategy.