Fine, then the underlying rocks provide the porous, low-density substrate, and the coals are the heat source. The same principle is being used, namely it's exploiting the difference between heat and temperature. As far as igniting leaves and such, these are light, flammable materials that do not need much heat to reach ignition temperature. Again, this setup provides high temp, but low heat.
It should also be noted that human bodies are composed mostly of water, a substance known to have a very high heat capacity (that's why you use it on your radiator). The water in the tissues of the volunteers actually soaks up most of the heat. The tissue cannot reach temperature higher than 100C until all the water has evaporated. They quickly walk through the burning area before that can happen.
a flame isn't used for cremeation, its another process that is done to creamate the bodies, way higher temps are used.