A free-standing solid composite intumescent structure has at least one bendable metal mesh, preferably at least two, secured on or in a bendable intumescent sheet material. The structure is bendable by a bending force into a shape at a temperature above −10° C. while retaining the bended shape when the bending force is removed. The intumescent sheet material has 10 wt % or more, based on total weight of the sheet material, of a polymeric resin; inorganic filler; and, an intumescent component. Fire protection barriers can be made from the free-standing solid composite intumescent structure, which can be used in fire protection systems where the fire protection barrier is installed on a substrate, for example steel building elements.