Beach Rocks Light Woman’s Shorts On Fire
While flesh-eating bacteria have been getting lots of attention lately, the real threat might be right under your feet: a woman in San Diego suffered third-degree burns this week after stones in her pocket spontaneously caught fire.
The 43-year-old reportedly picked up the rocks while on a trip to the beach with her family, and placed the stones in her pocket. When she returned home, nearly an hour after picking up the rocks, they appear to have ignited in her pocket. The woman’s husband suffered second degree burns from helping her extinguish the flames.
Authorities now report that the surface of the rocks have tested positive for phosphorus, which could ignite when exposed to air. Nearby Camp Pendleton Marine base is also cooperating with the investigation, as some are wondering if a “military material” could have contaminated the rocks.
Being wary of internet hoaxes or misunderstanding, I should note that the idea of rocks spontaneously combusting is unlikely; the couple may be covering something up, or the flames may have been caused by a yet unknown condition or substance. However, multiple sources seem to confirm the story, from the above photograph of the charred cargo shorts to the first responders who reported seeing the smoldering rocks when they arrived the treat the burned couple.
