Timber has very good performance in fire. It does burn but at a relatively slow and to a predictable depth known as the charring rate. It's also has a very low thermal conductivity value and hence does not heat uniformly.

This is the major advantage of using timber over steel because the fire resistance of timber elements of construction may be calculated based on a predictable charring rate.

Timber stud partitions should normally be tested or assessed in accordance with BS476: Part 22: 1987 and/or AS 1530: Part 4: 2005 to satisfy the failure criteria of integrity and insulation.