Abstract: The identification of combustion residues at fire scenes involved several steps, including concentration, pre-processing, and laboratory identification. At the same time, the highly destructive and exposed nature of fire scenes causes more interferences in the analysis of combustion residues. In order to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of combustion residues analysis, the methods of testing and identification for domestic and foreign scholars were researched and explored. The relevant studies were sorted out, especially on-site rapid detection, on-site concentration, laboratory pre-treatment and new methods of laboratory analysis were summarized and reviewed, aiming to provide a reference for the identification of fire residues.