This symposium evolved from discussions initiated by Dr. P. H. Thomas, Prof. K. Kawagoe, Prof. K. Akita, Dr. J. G. Quintiere, Dr. R. Friedman, and many others throughout the world. Symposium committees and technical areas were established at an informal meeting in May 1984 at Borehamwood, England. As stated in the Fall 1984 Call for Papers, the purpose of these symposia will be "to provide a forum dedicated to all aspects of fire research and their application to solving problems presented by destructive fire." Due to the enthusiastic response to that call, the original plan for a threeday meeting was expanded to a full week of simultaneous sessions, October 7-11, 1985.