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Crag & Route Beta

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Topic Date User

Bushfires in the Bluies 22-Oct-2013 At 12:48:26 PM Snacks

Message

On 22/10/2013 skegly wrote:
>For interest of climbing safety.
>What does a hot fire so to sandstone, granite and basalt.
>Also what about bolts, loose rock etc.
>I guess that fire doesn't burn up a sizable cliff if thete is no vegetation
>but interested to know.
>Cheers

The effect of a bushfire on sandstone subjects the rock to general heat (expansion/contraction) damage, but the soot creates a waxy impermeable layer that prevents water and salt ingress. Since it isn't a uniform layer all over the rock face all the permeable areas allow decay behind and around the impermeable areas, so it actually accelerates the spalling process.