Timber, as a construction material, has been widely used for centuries due to its aesthetic appeal, workability, and availability. However, one of its significant limitations is its vulnerability to fire. In the context of building services and maintenance, understanding the fire resistance of timber is critical, as it directly affects the safety, durability, and compliance of structures with fire safety regulations. Fire resistance refers to the ability of a material to withstand fire or provide a certain level of protection to the structural integrity of a building for a specified period. Timber exhibits a complex behavior when exposed to fire, which is influenced by factors such as density, moisture content, species, cross-sectional size, and surface treatment. When exposed to fire, timber undergoes pyrolysis, a chemical decomposition process in which heat breaks down the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the wood. This process generates combustible gases and char. The char layer acts as an insulating barrier that slows down the transfer of heat to the inner layers of the timber. This charring behavior is beneficial because it creates a self-protecting layer that delays structural failure. The rate of charring depends on the type of timber and its density. Softwoods, like pine or spruce, typically char at a rate of approximately 0.6 to 0.9 mm per minute under standard fire conditions, whereas hardwoods, such as oak or teak, char more slowly due to their higher density and lignin content. This slow charring provides some inherent fire resistance to timber structures, but it is still limited compared to non-combustible materials like steel