Switchgrass: Could it set ethanol on fire?

A problem for cellulosic ethanol?

Fans of ethanol always justify corn as a step towards better methods of ethanol production, especially cellulosic ethanol. And many have touted switchgrass as an eventual replacement to corn as cellulosic ethanol develops, but switchgrass also has its problems. Turns out switch grass is highly flammable.

"Dried-out grasses are a hot fuel source, and farm machinery could easily provide a spark for ignition. That could become a problem in a region known for its relatively high sustained winds, and many fire departments don't have experience in large grass fires," notes a recent AP article.