The present study is aimed at quantifying the flame radiosity vertical profile and gas temperature in moderate to high intensity spreading fires in shrubland fuels. We report on the results from 11 experimental fires conducted over a range of fire rate of spread and frontal fire intensity varying respectively between 0.04-0.35 m s(-1) and 468-14,973 kW m(-1). Flame radiosity, or radiant emissive power, and gas temperatures were measured with narrow angle radiometers and fine wire thermocouples located at three different heights in the flames, 0.6, 1.1 and 1.6 m above ground. Measured peak radiosity within the visual flame region (reaction zone and free flame) varied between 41 and 176 kW m(-2). Measurements within the intermittent flame region above the visually estimated average flame height varied between 10 and 30 kW m(-2). The flame vertical radiometric profile was characterized by a uniform area within the reaction zone and lower free flame, and a decrease in radiosity with height as the measurements approach the flame tip. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The Combustion Institute. All rights reserved.