The fire performance of modern methods of construction and timber frame buildings came under the spotlight at an insurance industry event last week.

The Risc Authority’s seminar was held in the wake of recent large fires on timber frame construction sites. While acknowledging that timber frame buildings had a role to play as an environmentally sustainable and quick construction method, several speakers called for greater attention to be paid to its fire safety drawbacks – especially during construction.

Niall Rowan of the Association of Specialist Fire Protection highlighted the combination of incomplete construction of what it a finely divided fuel source with the potential for arson as contributing to fast-spreading fires. He went on to give graphic illustrations of non-existent or inadequate fire stopping in all types of construction.
Geoff Harris and Andy Brookes of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated the difficulties for firefighters in detecting the progress of a fire spreading through the voids of a large timber frame apartment building. Other issues for firefighters include identifying how a building is constructed, radiated heat and the risk to crews from unstable structures.

The chairman of the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), Geoff Arnold, responded with details of Site Safe, a new mandatory scheme for its members to reduce the incidence and severity of construction sire fires. It involved a three-stage process: pre-construction planning; on-site management; and post timber frame construction. He described it as “a seismic change for the industry” as there has never before been a requirement for this level of commitment to fire safety.

He also said that UKTFA would consider the potential risks in completed timber frame buildings highlighted by previous speakers. “We were not aware of fire risks in completed buildings until [they were] raised today, but we need to take that on board.”

Read a detailed report on the seminar here