 
Woodside
Fire |
Spontaneous Combustion of Oil Rags
CAUTION 
In
recent years the Woodside Fire Protection District has had an increase in
residential fire loss attributed to spontaneous combustion of oily rags. Oil
soaked (linseed, stain, paint and vegetable oil) rags that are not stored
properly can permit oxidation. Spontaneous combustion can quickly occur
igniting the rags and anything else they are near. It
is extremely important to read the label of wood stains and paint products,
determining the content of that product and any cautions that might be on the
label. Other natural oils such as mineral oil, cottonseed oil, cod and
other fish oil present similar problems Rags
used with these products should be stored by submersing them in a water
filled metal container with a fitted lid. If you should have any questions relating to spontaneous combustion of oily rags, please contact Fire Marshal Denise Enea of the WFPD at 851-6206. Russel
Ave Fire Caused by Spontaneous Combustion
(click to go to link)
Information compiled from NFPA Fire Protection Handbook.
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| Copyright 2003 Woodside Fire Protection District Webmaster: Selena Brown |