This book covers the four forms of fire: diffusion flames, smoldering, spontaneous combustion, and premixed flames. Using a quantitative approach, it presents an ideal introduction to the scientific principles behind fire behavior. Individual sections thoroughly discuss such vital issues as heat transfer, ignition, flame spread, fire plumes, heat flux as a damage variable, and more. Formulas help the student examine fire from a quantitative standpoint. While explaining the science of fire with a precision found nowhere else, the text applies that science to fire safety design and investigation. An excellent book for courses in fire science, architecture, and engineering alike.