Old wood is much less flammable because of the wood density. Timber framed buildings are considered somewhat fire-retardant compared to stud-built buildings. A

Old wood is much less flammable because of the wood density. Timber framed buildings are considered somewhat fire-retardant compared to stud-built buildings. As the exterior of a timber burns, the blackened part insulates the interior of the timber from the fire. That said, timber construction isn't as sustainable as stick-built. But we should preserve old growth wood wherever we find it.