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The cause for SHC is still under controversy but scientific research has shown that a good explanation is the 'candle wick effect'.
In most cases that have been reported the person was more than likely sleeping/unconcious when combustion took place.
A small ignition (whether it be a cigarette, a spark etc) can ignite a small part of clothing which rather than spread quickly over the body actually starts to heat up the body fat and as this fat melts it soaks into the clothing and a wick effect is started very much like that of a candle.
The flame burns incredibly hot but becuase it is small it doesn't cause damage to any of the surrounding furniture/rugs/curtains etc. The flame will continue to burn until all fat reserves are gone.
This is why when the bodies are found it is usially only the extremeties that are left as fat reserves are limited and usually not covered with clothing.
Most victims are also either elderly or had heart conditions strengthening the hypothesis that the person was lready dead when the fire starts.
There are however cases where people have had whole arms or legs charred and still lived and claimed it to be SHC.
Col
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