In 1991, One Meridian Plaza, a high rise in Philadelphia, USA was severely damaged and three firefighters perished in a fire caused by linseed oil-soaked rags.[30]
When used as a wood finish, linseed oil dries slowly and shrinks little upon hardening. Linseed oil does not cover the surface as varnish does, but soaks into the (visible and microscopic) pores, leaving a shiny but not glossy surface that shows off the grain of the wood. A linseed oil finish is easily repaired, but it provides no significant barrier against scratching. Only wax finishes are less protective. Liquid water will penetrate a linseed oil finish in mere minutes and water vapour bypasses it almost completely.[4] Garden furniture treated with linseed oil may develop mildew. Oiled wood may be yellowish and is likely to darken with age.
few good bits and a few bad in there
courtesy of wikipedia