fuelwicking

Fuelwicking is a term that describes the intentional or unintentional transfer of flammable liquids through porous materials. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in the context of fires. When a fire starts near combustible materials saturated with fuel, the liquid can spread through the material, often against the direction of gravity, acting like a wick in a candle. This allows the fire to spread to new areas or intensify its burning.

The process relies on capillary action, the same force that allows water to rise in a thin tube or be absorbed by a paper towel. In fuelwicking, the porous material, such as fabric, wood, or insulation, becomes saturated with a flammable liquid. The liquid then moves through the pores of the material, driven by surface tension and adhesion forces between the liquid and the material. As the liquid moves, it carries heat with it, preheating adjacent unburned fuel to its ignition temperature.

This can significantly accelerate the spread of fire, especially in structures or vehicles where flammable liquids may be present. Understanding fuelwicking is important in fire prevention and suppression efforts, as it highlights the need to remove or isolate porous materials from potential fuel sources. Fire investigators also consider fuelwicking when determining the origin and spread patterns of fires.