Timber frame construction is growing rapidly in the UK but brings significant fire safety challenges during and after construction. A comprehensive guide.. Timber Frame and Fire Risk Timber frame construction accounts for approximately 28% of new UK homes. While engineered timber products can achieve excellent fire resistance when completed, the construction phase presents acute vulnerability. The Construction Phase Risk Exposed timber frames are highly combustible before plasterboard lining Multiple fires have destroyed entire developments during construction Insurance costs for timber frame projects have increased 300% since 2018 JCOP (Joint Code of Practice) on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites is essential reading Regulatory Position Approved Document B does not distinguish between timber and masonry construction for completed buildings — fire resistance is measured by tested performance, not material type. However: Above 18m : Combustibility restrictions (Regulation 7) effectively prohibit structural timber in external walls 11 18m : Timber frame permitted with appropriate fire engineering Below 11m : Standard ADB guidance applies Fire Engineering Solutions 1. Encapsulation — charring rate calculations per BS EN 1995 1 2 demonstrate 60 minute fire resistance achievable with timber concrete composite floors 2. Cavity barriers — critical in timber frame to prevent concealed fire spread; must comply with Diagram 9.3 of ADB Volume 2 3. Sprinkler systems — increasingly specified in timber frame buildings above 11m as a compensatory feature 4. Compartmentation — robust compartment walls using twin frame or resilient bar systems achieving 60/60 fire resistance Construction Phase Protection Dedicated fire watchman on all timber frame sites No hot works within 10m of exposed timber Progressive fire stopping — install as construction advances Temporary detection and alarm systems 24/7 CCTV monitoring of site perimeter For timber frame fire engineering, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.