Spontaneous Human Combustion
Throughout history, people have allegedly burst into flames without external ignition, leaving only ashes while surroundings remain undamaged. The 'wick effect' offers explanation, but mystery persists.
Spontaneous Human Combustion
A body burned to ash. A room untouched by flame. No external ignition source. Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) has been reported for centuries. Science offers the “wick effect” explanation—but questions remain.
Classic Cases
Mary Reeser (1951)
In St. Petersburg, Florida, Mary Reeser was found in her apartment:
- Only her left foot and backbone remained
- Her skull had shrunk
- The room showed minimal fire damage
The FBI concluded a cigarette ember started a slow fire, with her body fat as fuel.
Dr. John Irving Bentley (1966)
A Pennsylvania physician found in his bathroom:
- Only his lower leg remained
- A hole burned through the floor
- His walker stood undamaged nearby
The Wick Effect
The scientific explanation: a small ignition source ignites clothing, body fat melts and is absorbed by fabric (like a candle wick), and the body burns slowly for hours. Experiments on pig carcasses have reproduced this effect.
The Mystery
Despite scientific explanations, some elements resist easy answers:
- Extreme destruction exceeding cremation temperatures
- Lack of fire spread
- Witnessed cases without apparent ignition source
They find bodies burned to ash, rooms barely touched. Science says wick effect. Witnesses say something else. The mystery smolders on.