I was using my Rowenta yesterday when I suddenly heard a "phiss, phiss" noise. I turned around to see where the sound was coming from and lol and behold my iron was on fire. There was a flame approximately three inches high shooting out from the area where the cord meets the plug. What a shock. I did have the presence of mind to stamp on it and was able to put it out. Previously I've read on this board that another member had a similar problem with here Rowenta. So BEWARE.