Abstract: Great attention have been called both at home and adroad to the study on the burning characteristics of vertical tanks on fire.The article briefs the burning statse and process,looking into the factors that affect burning speed, flame emissivity, flame inclination and flame temperature obtained through observation and measurement,some computer formula included, There is mentoned here in particular the burning charateristics of heavy oil products and meanwhile some pro positions as to preventing fire from spreading widely so as to reduce economic loss.