A three dimensional finite volume model was developed to simulate the transient heat transfer through a flame manikin located in a combustion chamber with the advanced technique of computational fluid dynamics. The model was validated by compared with physical experiments performed by Donghua flame manikin system point by point, and then applied as a fundamental model to investigate the heat transfer through a simplified protective clothing system. Both of single and multiply layers clothing with contact combination were simulated by taking fabric as a three dimensional media. The temporal heat flux and temperature distribution of each layer of the clothing and skin were predicted. Results indicated that the air gap of 6.35 mm played a more critical role than the single-layer fire-proof clothing in deceasing heat transfer to the human skin. In the multi-layer garment system, the moisture barrier was the most effective layer on the thermal protection during the flash fire. The results of temporal heat flux and temperature could be used for further research of burn injury prediction and fabric parameters improvement. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.