You can get fire resistant treatment which is easy to apply providing you follow the instructions. Does take a long time to dry though so don't try doing it in a rush.
As for effectiveness, I've not seen the test evidence so wouldn't like to say.
You could carry out your own test by treating a piece then exposing a torch to it and timing how long it takes to burn through to the other side.
It all depends whether you are required to have something fire rated or just doing it for your own peace of mind.
