Single-layer reticulated shells are widely used in spatial structures. One critical factor that has to be considered in the design of reticulated shells is the signi¯cant adverse impact of high temperature caused by¯re on the structures. In order to study the variation of elasto-plastic bearing capacity under high temperature by¯re, four types of single-layer reticulated shells (i.e. K6, Geodesic, Schwedler and Lamella) are investigated under two typical¯re conditions (i.e. global nonuniform temperature distribution and local high temperature) by the geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis and statistical methods. Practical design formulae for calculating the elasto-plastic bearing capacity of reticulated shell structures under di®erent¯re conditions and ambient temperatures are proposed based on the numerical simulation results.