Nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate) was used to make photographic films until 1951. This material is unstable and can spontaneously ignite. As it burns the material is able to generate its own oxygen, which makes smothering the fire difficult.
Risk factors for fire:
(1) large amount of film in one location
(2) high ambient temperature
(3) use of a projector not specifically designed to show nitrocellulose films
(4) failing to store film in closed metal containers
(5) discarding scrap film with flammable trash
(6) open flame
Additional hazards of a movie film fire:
(1) generation of dangerous pressures from rapid gas release
(2) generation of carbon monoxide and other toxic gases
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