A 3-foot-long, blazing beam of red-hot fire springs forth from your hand.

You wield this bladelike beam as if it were a scimitar.

Attacks with the flame blade are melee touch attacks.

The blade deals 1d8 points of fire damage +1 point per two caster levels (maximum +10).

Since the blade is immaterial, your Strength modifier does not apply to the damage.

A flame blade can ignite combustible materials such as parchment, straw, dry sticks, and cloth.

The spell does not function underwater.