Q&A · 54:25-54:54

Was Warrior's teak armour backing a fire hazard?

A technical question explains how shipboard firefighting and the ignition properties of teak qualified the fire risk behind Warrior's iron plates.

Question

Was the teak behind HMS Warrior's armour considered a fire hazard?

Short answer

The ship carried firefighting arrangements, and teak is difficult to ignite even though it burns well once a fire is established.

Notes

The answer does not deny the danger of combustible material inside an ironclad. Warrior carried firefighting arrangements intended to manage that risk. Teak takes considerable effort to ignite, although it burns readily once alight. A later exchange identifies teak and oak as the principal hardwoods builders preferred, placing the armour backing within a broader shipbuilding-material choice.