This paper presents an experimental study leading to the understanding and modelling of the effect of air speed and its direction on flame propagation in tent fabrics in addition to fire propagation in a tent camp. The study was conducted on burning fabrics of different densities subjected to wind speeds ranging between zero (stagnant) and 1.4 m s(-1). Moreover, several air directions with respect to the flame were considered in the study to cover the cases of vertically upward, downward, horizontally aiding and opposing, and inclined directions. These cases were used in simulating actual flame propagation in a tent. It is found that there is a logarithmic relation between the time of burning a tent and air speed and the density of tent fabrics. Two different types of fabric are considered; waterproof and non-waterproof. It is also observed that the surface flame temperature is invariant with air speed or fabric density and it reaches about 650 degreesC. The results show that denser fabrics require more time for burning. The maximum flame propagation speed is observed for vertically upward flame concurrent with air direction. On the other hand, minimum flame propagation is observed for vertically downward flames opposing the air direction. A model is derived for predicting the time required for flame propagation in a known camp area. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.