This Digest is part of a suite of related documents containing guidance for the construction industry on structural fire engineering design. The intention is to produce performance based guidance that brings together fire engineering and structural engineering providing a framework within which designers are free to develop site specific solutions based on real performance criteria. The Digests contain information complementary to the existing and emerging fire engineering codes and standards. Each Digest may be used in isolation or as part of the full integrated suite. This Part provides a general guide on the response of structural timber members to fire and discusses current design methods available, including those described in European and British standards. 6 pages. The reader is recommended to refer to specific publications mentioned in the bibliography for more detailed information and design guidance.