When I was a kid I got hold of some WW2 aircraft scrap pieces that were of an aluminium magnesium alloy. In an ordinary fire I could not get it to ignite.

It seems racing motorcycles however were a different thing. In the early 50's Duilio Agostini was racing at Monza on a factory 350 Moto Guzzi with a dustbin fairing. Guzzi used a very high magnesium alloy for many parts to reduce weight. It seems the mechanics had not properly fitted a fuel hose and a quantity of fuel leaked and was trapped in the bottom of the faring under the motor. When it exploded into flames Duilio calmly rode the bike off the track, dumped it, and then rolled on the ground to put out his flaming leathers. Fortunately the burns were not severe but when the fire was over all that remained of the bike was the frame, a bucket full of bolts and screws etc and the crankshaft, cam, and various bits of gearbox. All of the alloy and rubber parts had been consumed in the fire!

Peter

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