Daryl and Chizue McIlwain, of Washington, whose kitchen was damaged by fire when a stovetop burner was left on overnight.

The Fire

"I was out of the country. My wife was home by herself and stayed up late cooking with a steamer in a wok on the stovetop. The stove we had was 20 years old. When you turned the knobs to the 'off' position, there really wasn't an interlocking device. She assumed that she had turned it off, and it was actually still on. She went to bed.

"First, the water evaporated from the wok, then the steamer caught fire and just filled the house with smoke. Luckily the smoke detector we have in the hallway was working, and it alerted her.

"She came out of the bedroom and found the house was full of smoke. It was so hot that it melted the vertical blinds we had.

"She grabbed the wok and threw it outside. By then the fire had melted the stove hood. The flames went up where the switches were and charred the upper cabinets. Her coming out and taking quick action actually saved the house.

"She probably should have called the fire department. But she removed the threat and turned off the heat and vented the place.

"I got home and initially it was a surprise and a shock that a fire happened in my house. Then I thought, 'I have to do this and do that.' But those are really not very important thoughts. The thing that I probably won't get over is the fact that I might have lost my wife. It was really gut wrenching."

On The Fire's Destruction

"There was a lot of smoke damage throughout the house. We lost the things that were in the cabinets above the stove. There was a rice cooker that absolutely melted and some antique salt and pepper shakers.

"And we had a couple of silk and hand-painted art pieces. I don't think we are going to replace them because of their sentimental value."

Advice To Others

"Had she needed the fire extinguisher, she was so excited, I don't think she probably could have used it. So I think it's wise to have a fire plan and to practice it, and to have an escape plan and practice that. Everyone thinks it will never happen to them."

What You Can Learn From The McIlwains' Experience Install smoke alarms in your home and keep them in working order. Double-check to make sure that burners or ovens have not been left on after cooking. If a fire starts in your home, get out and stay out. As you escape, close all doors between you and the fire. Even if you have put out a fire, it can re-ignite. Call 911 so firefighters can come to make sure the fire is out.

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