The Springfield Fire Department is warning the public to unplug toasters when they’re not being used because the appliances might cause fires.
A recent fire in a Springfield apartment complex is believed to have started with a plugged-in toaster that hadn’t been used in several days. Fire officials say an investigation of the fire revealed that the toaster, which was plugged into the wall, was the only heat source in the area where the fire started. The unit sustained $6000 in damage.
Springfield Fire Marshall Mark Epps said he did some internet research after that incident and found that toaster fires are pretty common.
"One article stated that the toasters are actually the most dangerous appliance that you can have in your kitchen, and some of the experts recommend that the toaster be unplugged after every use," he said.
Epps said springs that allow the lever to be pushed down to activate the heating element to toast bread become worn out over time, and the mechanism can sag down and turn the heating element on by itself. That can cause the toaster to catch fire or catch nearby combustibles on fire.
Besides keeping the appliance unplugged when not in use, he suggests keeping a fire extinguisher nearby.
The Springfield Fire Department also encourages residents to stay in the kitchen when using any cooking appliance.
Sometimes toasters are recalled for issues that could cause fires. You can check on recalls at recalls.gov.
The occupant in the apartment fire August 30 suffered minor heat inhalation in the incident, and dozens of residents were displaced while crews battled the blaze.
