Heat release rate

Heat release rate (HRR) measures how quickly heat is given off by a fire per unit of time, typically expressed in kilowatts (kW). Think of it as the fire's "intensity": the higher the HRR, the more heat the fire produces rapidly, which can influence how fast it spreads and how dangerous it is. It helps firefighters and safety experts assess fire growth, potential damage, and necessary response strategies. Essentially, HRR is a way to quantify the power of a fire in terms of heat output over time.