Temperature neutralization of explosives

[GRB 080319B]

With respect to the http://www.kusi.com/story/13646760/bomb-factory-house-leveled-by-controlled-fire?redirected=true", why do high temperatures neutralize explosives instead of setting them off?

The controlled burn resulted in temperatures of 1,500 to 1,800 degrees inside the condemned house, enough heat enough to neutralize all the dangerous chemicals stashed and strewn throughout, said San Marcos Fire Chief Todd Newman, one of the supervisors of the operation.

 

[Borek]

Many explosives are can burn instead of explode - they need something that will start detonation. High temperature is not enough, as it doesn't create necessary shock wave.

 

[DDTea]

The fire did set off some of the explosives--there were reports of a few pops. However, it looks like they didn't go off in any organized way. Also, Borek is correct: many "high explosive" compounds are employed for their lack of sensitivity. The sensititivity to friction, shock, and heat varies from compound to compound though, so it's hard to make generalizations as to why the house didn't explode without knowing what kinds of explosives were in there.