Alan,
I have it on very good authority that this incident did in fact occur.
I was tendered a document via the post from Aussie that proves the damage that occured, with pictures as well.
Humble pie or not mate, I was sceptical, but bear in mind also that a lot of Commercial carpet here has a fair amount of Nylon and other Synthetics woven in to it.
The base of shoes these days are plastic-based.
I think to a degree, that this guy wore the wrong combination of clothes.
You'd never see me wearing Nylon in any large amount, I learned that lesson at a Hay-barn fire some years back, it melts very easily and sticks to your skin.
Give me Cotton any day!. [Linked Image]