Suz

We recently moved so this is a new kitchen for me. While fixing breakfast one morning, I smelled burned paper. I checked around the stove and found nothing. Dismissed the thought. Later when I pulled a sheet from the papertowel dispenser, there was scorched paper. The toaster is right under the dispenser. Needless to say, now I know . . . . . .

Sandra in Minnesota

Gotta be aware of where we point our toaster! Good catch.

Prism99

I took a pan of soup from the frig and put it on our gas stove to heat up. Smelled something burning and saw smoke coming from the outside bottom of the pan, so turned off the burner and moved the pot. I thought maybe there was some oil on the bottom of the pan that had caught fire, but no. My dh had placed the pot in the refrigerator with not one, but TWO cork trivets underneath it. When I removed the pan, I saw the cork trivet left behind in the refrigerator and couldn't see the one that was stuck to the bottom of the pan. (sigh) There are unexpected issues when two cooks use the same kitchen.

bearisgray

Another moral to the story - always let/have HIM do the cooking!

Chasing Hawk

I keep our paper towels on the island counter in one of those upright holders.

Glad there wasn't any serious damage except to the paper towels.

Doggramma

Lucky thing there wasn't a big situation! We have our paper towels hanging on the wall, not by anything hot.

mac

My DH just told me that AARP reported that toasters are the most common fire hazards in the kitchen, even when not being used. AARP recommended that all toasters be unplugged after being used.

Glad that you didn't have a fire.

sparkys_mom

I never leave the toaster or the coffee pot plugged in.

Suz

We are diligent in unplugging the toaster, coffee pot and my irons.

marge954

One of the students at school came into my office a couple of years ago and he reeked of smoke. I commented that he smelled like a bonfire. He said his mom had a cookbook propped up on the counter next to the stove. The cookbook fell over during the night, hit the stove top knob, turned the burner on and the cookbook also fell onto the burner and started a fire. They slept upstairs and would not have made it out if not for the dog. Completely gutted the kitchen.