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Spontaneous
Combustion of Oil Rags 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 650-851-6206. Russell Ave. Fire Caused by Spontaneous Combustion Information compiled from NFPA Fire Protection Handbook.
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