For a upcoming museums conference, I am preparing a presentation about the 
danger of fires initiated by pyrophoric carbon, especially in aged 
buildings.   The topic is relevant since so many museums are housed in old 
(historic) buildings, and historic sites are most often based on old 
buildings.   A variety of heat sources may cause the problem, with 
documented fire evidence from hot water pipes and electric heaters installed 
in walls.

I am seeking examples of fires started by pyrophoric carbon in historic 
buildings.   Anyone heard of such?   Any suggestions of organizations that 
may have info or studies of examples, especially in historic structures?

Pyrophoric Carbon - fascinating topic.  Thought it was an urban myth when 
the firemen said that the wood in the 1850s Farmhouse I am now working on 
was so old it just began to burn on its own.   Turns out there is actually a 
special situation that really puts wooden structures at risk when all 
conditions are right.   It involves the carbonization of wood exposed to a 
relatively low level of heat for a long time.


cp in bc
(happy for cross postings) 

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