A state-of-the-art review of the behaviour of steel frame structures in fire is presented. Results from different studies indicate that the behaviour of a complete structure is different from that of a single structural member under fire conditions from the point of view of fire resistance. Earlier studies also show that analysis and design of steel structures against fire based on their overall behaviour could lead to a reduction or the elimination of applied fire protection to certain structural members. The effects of continuity, restraint conditions, and load ratio on the fire resistance of frame structures are discussed. The beneficial aspects derived from considering overall structural rather than single-member behaviour in fire are illustrated through the analysis on two one-bay, one-storey, unprotected steel portal frames, a column, and a beam. Also comparison is made between the performance of a beam with different end restraints in fire. Results from the analyses indicate that the fire resistance of a member is increased when it is considered as part of a structure compared with when it is considered as a single member.Key words: steel, frames, fire resistance, buckling, loads, overall structural behaviour.