The toaster timer failed - so it stayed on, (toast removed as done) - indefinitely. Huge fire risk - but for fire alarm the house would have burned down as the surrounding area got red hot - fumes set off fire alarm thank goodness. Dualit's response 1. This is a commercial product, not a domestic one. 2. You should have stood over it all the time it was on, so it is your fault. Don't buy one.