Bagasse was applied as fire-retardant filler to prepare the waterborne intumescent fireproof coating. The effect of bagasse on the properties of the fireproof coating was investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric (TG), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water resistance test and mechanical properties test. The result demonstrated the coating contained 1.5wt.% bagasse performed best in fire protection, thermal stability, oxidation resistance. Moreover, the char layer was dense and continuous. However, the fireproof coating contained 2 wt.% bagasse had excellent performance in water resistance test and mechanical properties test due to its properties of fiber. In addition, the components and chemical structure of char layer were characterized to study the flame retardant mechanism of bagasse in the fireproof coating.