> Reports had farmers' trousers variously smouldering and 
> bursting into flame, particularly when exposed to heat or 
> naked flames.[1][2]
>
> One report had trousers that were hanging on a washing 
> line starting to smoke. There were also several reports of 
> trousers exploding while farmers were wearing them, 
> causing severe burns.

All entirely probable.
The mystery is that it was a mystery.
The proclivities of NaClO3 were well know long long before 
then. One of the most dangerous chemical to use as an 
oxidiser. Lethal in the presence of Sul[f|ph]ur. Equally so 
with phosphorus. NOT something you want to use for average 
pyrotechnics playing. Many fatalities including amongst the 
professionals. Controllable in old-experts hands.


        Russell

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