In the present study, propagation of a gasification flame through a coal channel is considered. A simplified physical model incorporating all of the main physical factors determining the flame front propagation in a gasification reactor is suggested. It is demonstrated that the flame propagation is governed by the energy balance in the channel. The suggested model is in an agreement with experimental observations obtained in underground gasification of coal (UCG). (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.