2006-11-29 23:36:47 · 8 answers · asked by Bungle, Zippy & George 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Yes ... but based on a misunderstanding of circumstances. A lot of the early victims were obese alcoholics who fell asleep either smoking, or next to a fire, or both, and inadvertantly set themselves on fire. The fire burned hot (the victim being obese and full of liquor), but often the chair or floor weren't --- not due to anything supernatural, just the materials: hardwood floors and chair coverings with a high combustion temperature. If the fumes coming from the alcoholic were ignited by the fire in the fireplace, and they were close enough to it, it might jump across without burning the floor, leading investigators to think the victim burned from within (as fire followed the fumes of alcohol back into the victim). Just a thought.
2006-11-29 23:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by crispy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There have been quite a number of reported cases of spontaneous human combustion i.e, the bodies just ignite by themselves and continue burning without the introduction of a flammable substance. These are considered as paranormal activities and we have not yet arrived at a truly scientific explanation on how and why it happens. The most that have been provided so far are uneducated guesses.
2016-05-23 04:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) is a scientifically unsubstantiated hypothesis that suggests the burning of a person's body without an external source of ignition. Although there is much speculation and controversy over SHC, it is not a proven natural occurrence. In spite of this, many theories and hypotheses have attempted to explain SHC's existence and how it may occur, some grounded in current scientific understanding. The two most common explanations offered to account for apparent SHC are each discussed below: the non-spontaneous "wick effect" fire, and the rare discharge called "static flash fires"."
This, and more on SHC, at Wikipedia, the free, online encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_human_combustion
Hope this helps!
2006-11-29 23:39:51 · answer #3 · answered by cfpops 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not after that burrito I ate last night
2006-11-29 23:38:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think so, they were just never able to explain the real cause?
2006-11-29 23:39:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is an urban legend
2006-11-30 18:15:08 · answer #6 · answered by Siva 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No,it can happen to a mithter too.
2006-11-29 23:38:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
!!!!poof!!!!
That was a lame excuse of me combusting....sorry, too much coffee.
2006-11-29 23:39:31 · answer #8 · answered by jessieket04 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋