Jack Reacher's Rules

THE SCIENCE OF … BURNING DOWN A BUILDING

Place books of matches under furniture in the center of the room.

Pile as much paper as you can find on top; lean a burning cigarette against the matches.

Retire, leaving the door open for a draft.

Brick buildings always burn well. The contents go up first, then the floors, ceiling, and roof, with the outer walls holding up and forming a tall chimney to enhance the air flow. When the walls finally collapse, the blast of sparks and embers will spread the fire farther.

Sometimes a whole city block can be taken out with one cigarette and one book of matches.