To investigate the tensile behavior and failure mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites after fire exposure, tensile tests were conducted on three different layups of CFRP laminates subjected to fire exposure. Thermal stability was monitored using an infrared thermal imager, followed by microstructural analysis via SEM to investigate the effects of burn temperature and fiber lay-up on the pyrolysis behavior of CFRP laminates. Finally, their tensile strength and failure mechanisms were evaluated through load-displacement curves, stress-strain curves, and failure morphologies. The results show that CFRP laminates subjected to high-temperature exposure exhibit significant pyrolysis and mass loss, and their damage mechanisms include matrix decomposition, fiber/matrix interface debonding, and interlaminar delamination. Compared to 400 ℃, specimens exhibit a twofold increase in mass loss and more severe damage at 600 ℃. A similar trend in curves and a significant difference in strength are found in ±45° laminates, whose mechanical performance depends greatly on the resin properties and fiber/matrix adhesion. The ranking of tensile strength for specimens after fire exposure is as follows: 0° laminate, 0°/90° laminate, and ±45° laminate. Furthermore, the 0° laminate experiences the smallest degradation rate.