The first three chapters present basic definitions and a brief outline of the physics, chemistry, combustion, and heat transfer concepts necessary to an understanding of this subject. The book presents up-to-date theory of the fire physical development known as the "V" pattern theory, which locates the cause of all fires at the lowest point of a "V" shape visible on a vertical wall. The author modifies this theory with the introduction of a concept known as parabolic fire development which eliminates the principal causes of error found in the "V" pattern theory. The parabolic fire development paradigm is applied here to small and large natural fires, caused by human error, mechanical or electrical problems, or small chemical fires, as well as criminally set fires. 84 figures and 35 references