What is the term for the movement of heat and smoke from an area of higher pressure to lower pressure?

The term that describes the movement of heat and smoke from an area of higher pressure to lower pressure is known as a flow path. This concept is essential in understanding how fire spreads and how smoke and heat behave within a structure during a fire incident.

In a fire scenario, the differences in temperature create pressure gradients, leading to the movement of air, smoke, and heat from the areas of higher pressure to those of lower pressure. This flow path is crucial for firefighters, as it can influence their tactical approach, including ventilation strategies and search patterns. Understanding flow paths helps in predicting the behavior of fire and smoke, which is vital for ensuring safety and effectiveness during firefighting operations.

The other terms do not accurately capture this phenomenon. A convective track may refer to a specific path of heat movement but does not encompass the broader concept of pressure differences in fire dynamics. Structure pressure gradient describes the pressure changes in a building's structure but again lacks the specific emphasis on the movement of heat and smoke. Exhaust flow might refer to smoke removal systems or general smoke movement but does not define the underlying principle of pressure-driven flow.