OMG, what a horrible flashback that must have been. I have a steam iron that shuts off automatically after "X" minutes, then I need to turn my iron back into ironing mode for it to heat up again. That said, there is a red light on my iron that will continuously flash, should I leave it plugged in, which I have done a time or two. I do make sure that if I have left the iron plugged in, the red flashing light, tells me to unplug the iron - a very good reminder. I am so sorry that you had to go through the tragedy of having your house burn down last year, but I am happy for the reminder you have given us that we need to unplug those appliances that generate a lot of heat. I hope you are able to fix your Mother's antique ironing board. God bless you for all that you have been through.