Jonathan T on Nostr: There was a - maybe Horizon - TV programme about it in the 80s (hence my memory of ...

There was a - maybe Horizon - TV programme about it in the 80s (hence my memory of the Bleak House dramatisation because that scene was featured) that postulated it was due to (a) smoking (b) obesity and (c) alcohol. The people it had occurred to had most likely passed out from excessive drinking, dropped their cigarette on themselves, which caused body fat to slowly combust and act like a wick. Result: gradual, slow burning like a candle.