A sacrificial shielding product is provided for shielding timber articles from fire damage. The shielding product is based on a two two-part elastomeric liquid carrier which is combined with a filler powder of an endothermic material so as to form a paste which may be applied to a timber article to cure as a tough sacrificial render. For protecting poles against bush fire the render is applied to encircle the post as a thick elastic sleeve the exposed outer surface of which will degrade endothermically during a brief exposure to fire, absorbing heat in the process and thus maintaining integrity of the inner part of the sleeve.
