Oh dear yes-sort of an accidental blow torch
Nowadays we manage the same thing with cladding despite a regulatory system [because it's ignored and not inspected!] At least there was some excuse re relative ignorance back then. I have Radio 4 programs about the history of [largely wooden] Theatres. The number of times they burn down is pretty shocking and much worse than say Football Grounds or Railway Stations etc. I suppose all that tar and the ventilation gaps might actually make the CP Arson theory more credible
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Dave