Re: At what temperature does book paper burn?

Good question, Colton. Many people assume the temperature paper burns at is 451 degrees Fahrenheit. I have answered questions similar to yours before and I have received negative feedback after I posted the responses from people who think the 451 ^oF value is correct.

Please see my response here where I discuss ignition temperatures and give data from sources in the literature. I have also answered another question that discusses why different types of paper burn at different temperatures. See that discussion here.

The ignition temperature cited in the handbook is 450^oC, which is 842^oF.

If the story you tell is correct, it sounds like Mr. Bradbury or the fire chief may have confused the units of measurement.