Flame characteristics refer to the visual and physical properties of a flame, including its color, shape, and temperature. The color of a flame can indicate the type of fuel being burned and the temperature, with blue flames typically being hotter than yellow or orange flames. The shape of a flame can vary based on factors like airflow and fuel supply, often appearing as a flickering or steady column. Different fuels produce distinct flame characteristics. For example, natural gas burns with a blue flame, while wood often produces a yellow-orange flame due to incomplete combustion. Understanding these characteristics is essential in fields like fire safety and combustion engineering.