Introduction

An introduction to the main differences between open fires, building fires and tunnel fires is given as the basis for better insight into the physics of fires in tunnels. An overview is given of what type of fires is to be expected in different types of tunnels and what consequences such fires may have. A short description of mitigation systems commonly used to increase the fire safety in tunnels is also given, and their main features are put into the context of fire dynamics. Finally, the major fire incidents that have occurred are summarized and analysed in order to understand the main reasons for their different consequences.