I'm sorry to hear that your oven caught on fire during the self-cleaning process. There are several potential reasons why this could have happened:
Residue or spills: Self-cleaning ovens use extremely high temperatures to burn off and incinerate any food residue, grease, or spills left in the oven. If there was a significant amount of built-up residue or a large spill inside the oven, it could have ignited during the self-cleaning process.
Incorrect cookware or utensils: It's essential to remove all cookware, racks, and other accessories from the oven before initiating the self-cleaning cycle. If any of these items were accidentally left inside, they could have caught fire due to the extreme heat.
Damaged components: If the oven's heating elements or other internal components were damaged or malfunctioning, it could have led to an unsafe buildup of heat during the self-cleaning process.
Incorrect usage: Operating the self-cleaning cycle incorrectly or interrupting the cycle prematurely could have resulted in unsafe conditions and potentially caused a fire.
Faulty thermostat or temperature control: If the oven's temperature control system malfunctioned during the self-cleaning process, it could have caused the oven to overheat, leading to a fire.
Old or worn-out oven: If the oven was old or not properly maintained, it might have been more susceptible to issues during the self-cleaning process.
Regardless of the cause, experiencing a fire during the self-cleaning cycle is a serious safety concern. If this happens, you should take immediate action:
Turn off the oven: If the oven is still on, turn it off immediately to stop the self-cleaning process.
Do not open the oven: Opening the oven door during a fire can allow more oxygen to fuel the flames, potentially making the situation worse. Keep the oven door closed to contain the fire.
Use a fire extinguisher: If you have a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen fires, you can use it to try to put out the fire. Aim at the base of the flames and follow the instructions on the fire extinguisher.
Call emergency services: If the fire is not easily controllable, or if you have any doubts about your ability to handle it safely, evacuate your home and call the fire department immediately.
Wait for the oven to cool: After the fire has been extinguished, let the oven cool down completely before inspecting it for any damage or potential causes.
To prevent such incidents in the future, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operating your oven and perform regular maintenance as recommended. If you're unsure about your oven's safety or encounter any issues, it's best to consult a professional technician for inspection and repair.