Supporting the Forest Service Mission through Mass Timber Fire Research

The US Forest Service is dedicated to sustainable use of our Nation’s forest resources to meet the needs of present and future generations. This includes conducting forest products research that develops and increases the uses for small diameter timber, removing woody biomass to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Mass timber, such as cross-laminated timber, achieves the sustainable goals and is successfully being deployed in structures throughout the United States. However, widespread adoption has not occurred partially due to concerns about combustibility and the fire performance for larger and taller structures. Understanding how fire effects material properties of wood and the effects of exposed wood on the fire dynamics of a structure requires a multi-scale approach. This presentation will review recent research projects that are aimed at advancing and enhancing the safety of wood products for the built environment while meeting the Forest Service’s mission.