Ladies, I own - ed a Rowenta iron - loved it! - that had an automatic shut off!! Yesterday, it shorted out and started a fire!! Flames 3 plus feet high - ruined my ironing board! Thank God, my dh was here - I panicked and didn't know what to do - it was electrical and I didn't want to be electrocuted!!! It burned my ironing board, and dripped onto the carpet below it. Upon removing the cover of the ironing board, I was surprised to see how much melt there was - without showing the burn on the top!!! Scarey!! So, Please unplug your irons!!

Oh my! So glad you are safe!!!

So sorry to hear this happened. Thankful that you and DH were home at the time and were able to catch it and put it out.
Yes, I unplug All my sewing machines, iron etc when I am not using them. Good advise.

Yes...that is scary...glad you didn't lose everything....

I have started unplugging my iron- thanks for the warning!!!

Wow thanks for sharing. That is pretty scary. Glad that you are alright and the only damage was to your ironing board.

i always plug mine in with a surge protector cord that has a light on it. i'm in the habit of turning off the iron and the surge cord whenever i step away - even to just sew a few seams. sounds a little paranoid, but i can't afford not to be safe since i live alone :)

That is so scary! I am guilty of relying on my automatic shut off when I'm sewing. I will definitely pay more attention. Glad that you're ok and that you weren't at home alone.

OMG....i am glad nobody got hurt ,and you was able to put the fire out.
I would definitely contact Rowenta ASAP.

I had a Black & Decker that would have done the same thing, except I smelled it burning before it caught fire. You are fortunate to have been home!