The UK wood materials industry organisation has taken position for more demanding fire safety specifications. The Timber Trade Federation and Wood Protection Association (TTF WPA) has taken position following the fire which impacted around 30 flats in Samuel Garside House, De Pass Gardens, Barking Riverside, East London (designed by Sheppard-Robson with MaccreanorLavington and KCAP, built by Mace and Bellway Homes in 2012) on 9th June. The wood used is said to have been “Thermowood” by Metsä Wood. Residents say that the building’s external wooden balconies, balcony dividers and balustrading burst into flames in minutes and are now campaigning for removal of wooden cladding on all of the 1 400 flats of Barking Riverside Phase 1. TTF WPA states that the timber was Euroclass D, s2, d0, as legally required in the UK for buildings of <18m height, whereas flame retardant treatment would have achieved Euroclass B rating and so very different fire behaviour.*
TTF WPA statement, 12th June 2019 https://ttf.co.uk/industry-states-that-lack-of-flame-retardant-treatment-for-timber-was-inappropriate/