The self-ordering behavior of porous anodic alumina induced by the burning phenomenon on the specimen where extremely high and local current concentrations occurred was studied. The domains of highly self-ordered cell arrangement were found at the locally thickened film formed by burning. At the center of the burnt area, the regularity of cell arrangement was higher and the barrier layer thickness as well as the cell size was remarkably lower. These results clearly suggest that the condition inducing film growth under high current density, i.e., high electric field is the key factor determining the self-ordering. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.