The recent fire incident in Hong Kong has sparked conversations over the use of bamboo poles in construction. People are concerned— how safe is bamboo against fire?
The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has been advancing research initiatives to ensure that bamboo remains not only a sustainable and affordable material, but also a fire-safe construction and building component.
Through research and development, the Institute has been exploring ways to develop fire-retardant technologies that will slow down or stop the spread of fire and reduce its intensity by interfering with combustion. One of DOST-FPRDI’s previous studies focused on developing a fire-retardant using nano-sized montmorillonite clay— an affordable, less toxic alternative to imported chemicals. It is a protective layer designed to slow ignition and minimize flame spread. According to the study, the application of nanoclays in wood products can enhance their fire resistance. While this patented study was initially focused on wood, the same technology is now being considered for bamboo applications.
Building on these efforts, the DOST FPRDI is also developing bamboo-based cellulose nanofiber aerogel from kauayan-tinik (Bambusa spinosa Roxb.) as a sustainable and less hazardous fire-retardant additive for construction insulation, including bamboo materials. Designed to be safe for humans and the environment, this technology can potentially help builders, homeowners, and communities make safer homes.
Ensuring that every material meets safety standards, the Institute also operates the Fire Testing Laboratory. The lab evaluates the fire resistance of wood and non-wood materials, including bamboo, by applying a small match-sized flame to vertically oriented specimens for 15 or 30 seconds. It examines ignitability, which determines how easily a material catches fire, and combustibility, which assesses how easily a material ignites and burns by exposing it to heat.
According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., these initiatives are part of DOST’s long-standing commitment to harnessing the full potential of bamboo, noting that its safety and reliability remain at the center of DOST’s research efforts.
“Bamboo has always held great promise for the Philippines — strong, sustainable, and deeply rooted in our culture. At DOST, we have invested in programs that ensure bamboo is not only useful, but safe for our people to rely on, whether in construction or in many other everyday applications,” Solidum said. “Hazards cannot always be predicted, but they can be mitigated when we apply the right science, the right research, and the right technologies.”
He added that the Institute is gearing up to expand its work even further, strengthening research to support industry players, builders, and communities nationwide. “Our goal is simple: to help Filipinos use bamboo and other forest products with confidence — safer, smarter, and more sustainably than ever before,” he said.
DOST-FPRDI Director and bamboo expert, Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, noted that similar to any organic material, bamboo is naturally combustible when exposed to fire. “With proper testing, drying, treatment, and the use of fire-safety technologies, the risk of ignition and flame spread can be significantly reduced,” he added.
Bamboo has been used as a versatile construction material due to its properties. As some species can be harvested in just a few years, it is a more sustainable option than timber. This non-timber forest product also naturally absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its growth, helping reduce the environmental footprint. Compared to metals and other conventional materials, it is much more cost-effective in terms of processing and labor costs.
In the next years and with more advanced machines, the laboratory will expand its capabilities to test larger materials for local building contractors and construction materials developers.
“We understand the concerns people have about bamboo and fire safety, which is why we have been taking proactive steps to address them,” said Dr. Cabangon. “Through expanding our testing services and research, we aim to ensure that bamboo remains a credible material for building and construction."
### (Angelique B. Evangelista, 11 December 2025)
DOST-FPRDI’s Fire Testing Laboratory evaluates samples under ISO 11925-2 (Ignitability) and ASTM E69 (Combustibility) standards, and is open to the public.
