Fire marshal warns of oven fires

Two recent fires caused by apparent problems with heating elements in electric ovens has Sisters Fire Marshall Dave Wheeler concerned.

Last Friday, a homeowner in Tollgate had a fire in his electric oven after having contacted the manufacturer with concerns about an apparently faulty cleaning cycle.

The fire, called out at 5:10 p.m. was confined to the oven, thanks to quick action by the homeowner, who shut the oven off and cut power. There was no damage to any other area of the kitchen or home.

Another recent fire in a similar oven also did minimal damage.

Wheeler said that homeowners should be alert to any malfunction of their ovens.

"If you have problems with your oven, don't just assume it is a minor problem," Wheeler said.

The fire marshal plans to report the recent incidents for a consumer alert.