Thanks Mr. Silver and Karen! Yes, it had to be an electrical problem. Several of the warning reviews from users was that you COULDN'T turn it off without unplugging it. Really scary to see a machine do something like that.

Karen that is wretched about that poor woman who perished. I work at the Medical Examiner's and we see this kind of terrible thing every day but you NEVER get used to it.

Ever since the major house fire, I've been pretty OCD about leaving the house. I must check things a dozen times and even though I KNOW I've checked things, I can't tell you how many times I'd stop a block away and come back and check things again. I even do it on the bike!

I'll be happy to get home tonight and confirm that the girls are safe and sound for another day.