The present work describes the use of Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) as a detection method for specific thermolysis products with respect to the early recognition of fires. By using additional analytic methods such as simultaneous differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry (DTA/TG), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Infrared spectrometry (IR) the specific thermolysis products depent on the temperature of the fire load were characterized and identified. While considering possible interference like e.g. varying atmospheric humidity the limits of detection and determination of the detectable gasses by IMS were determined.