what could spontaneously ignite a bush or small tree in front of a wandering person?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_seam_fire

basically, seams of coal deposits in the earth can self-ignite at temperatures as low as 40 celsius. could a really hot day spark a millenia-spanning cultural phenomenon?

Burning Bush? I wish they had burnt the bastard!

Destination Immortality - 16 March 2012 09:49 AM

what could spontaneously ignite a bush or small tree in front of a wandering person?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_seam_fire

basically, seams of coal deposits in the earth can self-ignite at temperatures as low as 40 celsius. could a really hot day spark a millenia-spanning cultural phenomenon?

The mounds of coal stored next to our local coal yard used to sometimes ignite themselves with the cocktail of chemicals they exude.
But bushes burst into flames all the time, heather fires are common near the borders of Scotland and I’m sure Rob will be able to explain about the odd bush fire too.

A burning bush is not remarkable in any sense, especially when it comes to a desperate old dude lost in the desert.  Let’s not give that story any more credibility by discussing it.