<p>The aim of this study is to investigate some utility tunnel fire laws based on theoretical and experimental analysis of ceiling temperature distribution. Comparing to the previous model with empirical parameters, a theoretical model is developed to include some physical parameters by using dimensional analysis method, which can fit complex tunnel fire scenes. Full-scale tunnel fire experiments with different ventilation speeds and fire sources were conducted to study the temperature distribution laws of tunnel fires and support the model. The results show that increasement of ventilation speed can reduce fire severity under the certain condition. Finally, according to compare the corresponding experimental data as well as the results obtained from the other known models, the excellent prediction ability and validity of the model are verified. The model can provide a useful method to investigate and predict the ceiling temperature distribution in utility tunnel fires, which can also describe the relationship between the maximum ceiling smoke temperature rise, heat relation rate and ventilation speed.</p>