RE fire: you can still read ashes, it's commonly done. Now as an addendum to my previous about the use of blenders: for larger amounts, the kitchen sink disposall with lots of water running... for really large amounts, soak in a large container full of water for a few days to let it get soft, then mush it up with either an electric cement mixer or a 1/2" electric drill with paint mixing attachment. The key to these operations is lots of water so the paper will essentially be a suspended solid that easily tumbles and shreds. Too much paper in the mix will lead to a soggy mat that won't break up easily. -gg