Spontaneous Human Combustion

 Spontaneous Combustion Syndrome (SCS) usually refers to Spontaneous Human Combustion (SHC) in medical–forensic discussions. It’s a controversial and largely debated phenomenon where a living or recently deceased human body is reported to ignite without an external ignition source.

Proposed Explanations

1. Wick Effect (most accepted forensic theory)

   • Clothing acts like a wick; body fat (lipids) melts and fuels a slow, smoldering combustion.

   • Explains why the body is destroyed but surroundings are spared.

                              

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