Based on the thermal-structural sequential coupling method, the non-uniform temperature field in the tubular T-joint caused by different local fire conditions are investigated, and the effects of elevated temperature on the ultimate strength and failure model of the tubular T-joint are studied. The results indicate that a non-uniform temperature field is formed, because a large temperature difference along the axial and annular directions of the chord occurs in the temperature field caused by local fire. The results of the ultimate strength of the tubular joints under local fire show that: the closer the local fire is to the center of the T-joint, the greater its influence on the ultimate strength of the T-joint; when the central temperature of the local fire exceeds 600 ℃, the ultimate strength of the T-joint decreases significantly with the increase of temperature; the failure model of the tubular T-joint is the plastic failure of intersection of chord and brace at different fire cases.