High temperatures can neutralize explosives by incinerating the dangerous chemicals rather than triggering a detonation. In the controlled burn of a condemned house, temperatures reached between 1,500 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which was sufficient to neutralize the explosives present. While some explosives can burn rather than explode, they typically require a specific trigger, such as a shock wave, to detonate. Although the fire did cause a few minor explosions, they occurred randomly rather than in a coordinated manner. The sensitivity of explosives varies significantly, with many high explosives designed to be less sensitive to friction, shock, and heat, making it difficult to generalize their behavior without knowing the specific types involved.
