Mechanisms of heat transfer during crash fires and the associated physiology of burninjuries are presented as a function of exposure time, motorist location and other related factors. Fire research conducted by the authors concerning large-area flame radiation exposures with respect to onset of skin pain and skin burns are presented. The relationship between temperature of a crash fire exposure and transmitted thermal energy as well as degree of burn as a function of exposure time is presented and illustrated. Respiratory irritants and toxic gases generated during combustion are evaluated and their incidence and relative hazard for automotive crash fires are identified.