Accurate simulation of in-situ combustion processes is computationally very challenging because the spatial and temporal scales over which the combustion process takes place are very small. In this first quarterly report of our DoE funded research, we discuss the design of a new simulation tool based on an efficient Cartesian Adaptive Mesh Refinement technique that allows much higher grid densities to be used near typical fronts than current simulators. The formulation presented here for a first one-dimensional simulator will serve as the foundation for the development of a three-dimensional simulator that can handle realistic permeability heterogeneity. The development of the simulation tool will be supported by extensive laboratory experiments conducted to provide validation data, and to study effective variants of the combustion process. The preliminary investigation reported here shows how metallic salt additives can promote and sustain combustion by enhancing the oxidation and cracking of hydrocarbons.