With timber buildings now exceeding 18 storeys globally, we examine international fire safety approaches and what the UK can learn from pioneers in Sweden, Canada, and Australia.. The Global Timber Race Mjøstårnet, Norway — 85.4m (18 storeys) The world's tallest timber building. Fire safety approach: Full encapsulation of all timber Sprinklers throughout 90 minute fire resistance Brock Commons, Canada — 53m (18 storeys) Full encapsulation 2 hour fire resistance Constructed in just 70 days 25 King, Australia — 52m (10 storeys) Exposed timber (engineered for auto extinction) Performance based design Real fire testing to validate design UK Regulatory Position Current Limitations The 18m combustibility ban applies to external walls only No height limit for structural timber internally Building Safety Regulator scrutiny for all HRBs including timber The Auto Extinction Debate Can mass timber self extinguish after the fuel load is consumed? Research suggests: CLT panels 120mm can achieve auto extinction under certain conditions Delamination of adhesive can prevent auto extinction Exposed area ratio is critical — too much exposed timber prevents extinction Our Position Mass timber has a vital role in sustainable construction. But fire safety must be designed in from day one, not retrofitted as an afterthought. For tall timber fire engineering, contact us.