Are straw-bale buildings a fire hazard?
The National Research Council of Canada tested plastered straw bales for fire safety and found them to perform better than conventional building materials. In fact, the plaster surface withstood temperatures of about 1,850 F for two hours before any cracks developed. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, “The straw-bales/mortar structure wall has proven to be exceptionally resistant to fire.
