So glad to hear that you are OK and that the fire didn't spread and do more damage. I have a Sunbeam with auto shut off, but being paranoid I try to keep it facing out so that I can see it, if the red light is blinking, I pull the plug - it's automatic now, but I have forgotten a time or two. Again, glad you're OK.

I have or should say I did mine just quit working. Must say it was a great iron sorry to hear what happened to you.Glade no one was hurt.

I am so glad you are OK and no more damage than your ironing board! I am so afraid of leaving an iron on that I now have made a bracelet that sits by my iron and when I turn it on, I put the bracelet on and when I turn it off, the bracelet comes off. How many times I got upstairs to find I had the bracelet on and hurried down to turn off the iron.

My iron is plugged into an over head floresent light socket so when I unplugg the light the iron automatically is unplugged. So thankful you were home and your husband too.

Glad you were there to catch it before it burned your house down!

No one has mentioned fire extinguishers! We have 1 in the kitchen, the sewing room and the utility room. Even just a small foamy one is handy. Thankfully, never had to use one.

I have my iron plugged into a power strip, along with a light.

I too have a Rowenta, and LOVE it. But I always unplug it when I leave my sewing room. Happy that your loss was minimal - except maybe to your sanity!

What, exactly, did you husband do re:the fire???

Oh no! So glad to read you're okay. I guess now I'll have to listen to DH as I tend to turn the iron off and walk away. I have been known to just walk away and leave it on and count on the automatic shut off. I will now be unplugging it every time I leave the room, even if I only intend to be gone for a minute. Thanks for sharing this!

Any appliance that is plugged into an outlet has the potential to burn. I have even read about the scent plug-ins that have started fires. If I am going to be away for any length of time I unplug all appliances (coffee maker, toaster oven, microwave, etc.). The time it takes to plug these things back in is better than not having anything. I have seen sparks go from an outlet to a lamp in nothing flat. As is said it's better to be safe that sorry. Glad no one was hurt. BrendaK

Had that happen to me years ago- I was home thank goodness. Scary. I unplug.