On Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:27:14 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

I think the Sheffield was mostly steel and the aluminum in question was a
high magnesium content alloy. Aluminum does not burn, but does lose
strength at about 500 degrees and melts at 1500 degrees. The Sheffield did
not have vertical fire barriers as American ships do.

Aluminum not burn? It is the fuel in firecrackers.[potassium
perchlorate is the oxidizer] Do not hold in hand! Steel also burns,
and is also used as a fuel in fireworks. Both metals are very
difficult to ignite in thick sections but they will burn. It is common
for aluminum airplane fires to burn most of the metal as well as the
kerosene.

Casady