Fire retardant door and exit device for same

A fire retardant door having a vertical latch stile extending the length of the stile for receiving the elements of a concealed vertical rod exit device therein along with an expanding, fire resistant material, preferably an intumescent compound, for sealing the opening when subjected to heat. The vertically reciprocating exit device rods disposed in the opening are operably connected to bolts disposed in the end of the stile openings, the bolts moveable in response to movement of the vertically reciprocating element from a retracted position within the door edge opening to an extended position to engage the door frame. The composition of the door and arrangement of the exit device elements is selected for a high fire rating, and preferably includes a wooden outer layer provided on each of the major faces of the door. A fire retardant door latch stile for housing the elements of a concealed vertical rod exit device is also provided, the stile defining a vertical opening extending the length of the stile for receiving the exit device elements, and an expanding, fire resistant material, preferably an intumescent compound, is disposed in the stile for sealing the opening when the stile is subjected to heat.