In this study, the results of an overview of industrial fires in manufacturing plants and warehouses are reported. The overview is based on data reported in international papers, technical reports, magazines and news media.

Flame heights and other information from real fires have been listed and analysed. Correlations for the calculation of flame heights, effects of cross-winds, heat fluxes and ignition of materials are discussed. This study has focused on an investigation of the risk for fire spread from burning industrial building or warehouse to the other activities in their surroundings. The survey shows that there is very limited information concerning flame heights and methods to calculate fire spread from buildings where the fire has broken through a large hole in the ceiling.