Why are cork oak forests natural fire-retardants?

Cork burns without a flame and does not emit toxic gases during combustion.

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Facts and Curiosities

What is cork?

Cork is the bark of the Cork Oak tree (Quercus suber L). It is a completely natural raw material, with unique properties which give it an unrivalled character. It is light, impermeable to liquids and gases, elastic and compressible, provides thermal and acoustic insulation, it is a fire retardant and highly abrasion-re…

Facts and Curiosities

Why are cork oak forests natural fire retardants?

Thanks to the thermal and weak combustion properties of cork, cork oaks are more fire-resistant than other trees. The slow combustion of cork makes it a natural fire retardant, forming a barrier against fires. Its combustion does not release smoke or toxic gases.