A mathematical model is presented for the transport of heat, mass and momentum transfer through a porous medium to simulate the chain of events from self-heating, subsequent self-ignition to smouldering fire propagation and burn-out of combustible fractions. The model comprises both diffusive and convective transport. The chemical reaction sub-model includes solid fuel decomposition and the combustion of char, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Furthermore, biological processes, which may be a precursor of self-heating and vaporization/condensation of moisture, are also included into the model. All input data necessary for implementing the model have been determined experimentally. The model has been validated against laboratory scale self-ignition and smouldering propagation experiments and then applied to predictions of different fire scenarios during storage of bulk materials.