Angel Carpenter never imagined a simple kitchen appliance could destroy everything she owned. But when she got a call saying her house was on fire, she thought it was a prank—until she saw the devastation firsthand.
Her air fryer had exploded, setting off a fire that tore through her home, leaving her and her 15-month-old daughter with nothing. Now, with no insurance and nowhere to go, she’s left picking up the pieces. Could this tragedy have been prevented?
The Incident: A Normal Day Turns to Chaos
It started like any other morning. Angel Carpenter, a 23-year-old single mother, was at work when her phone rang. A neighbor’s voice came through, urgent and panicked—her house was on fire.
At first, she thought it was a joke. “They said your house is on fire. I thought it was a joke. I didn’t expect this. I always double check everything is turned off,” Angel recalled. But as reality set in, she rushed home to a sight she never could have prepared for. Flames had ripped through her home, leaving behind charred walls, melted furniture, and the unbearable stench of smoke. The fire had been so intense that a door was burned off its hinges, and the kitchen was covered in ash.
Firefighters from Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock stations managed to put out the blaze, but the damage was already done. According to their initial assessment, the cause was likely an electrical fault—one that led to an air fryer explosion. The force of the blast even caused two aerosols to ignite, spreading the flames even faster.
“They said it was something to do with a plug socket or it could have been a dodgy air fryer. That much had melted they couldn’t tell what it was,” Angel explained. She stood in the wreckage of what used to be her home, overwhelmed by the loss. “Everything I have worked has gone into that house,” she said. Carpenter added by saying, “It was such a shock. I cried for ten hours. It broke me. I have lost everything in that house.”
The Aftermath: Left With Nothing
The fire was out, but the devastation remained. Angel Carpenter had lost everything—her furniture, her belongings, and the most heartbreaking of all, her 15-month-old daughter Frankie’s clothes and toys. The once-warm home was now a wreck of ash-covered walls, burnt-out rooms, and a gaping hole where a door once stood.
Desperate to salvage anything, Angel searched through the charred remains. Some of Frankie’s first birthday cards and family photos were pulled from their frames, barely intact. “We managed to get the photos out of the frames and some of her first birthday cards. I’m going to laminate them,” she shared.
The fire had destroyed so much that even the few clothes she managed to recover were ruined. “Four washes later and we still haven’t got out the smell,” she said.
With no home insurance to cover the loss, Angel was forced to move in with her mother, Emma Carpenter, who immediately launched a fundraiser to help her daughter rebuild. She is now hoping to raise $5,530 to refurnish the home.
Still reeling from the tragedy, Angel admitted the harsh reality of the situation: “I should have taken out fire insurance or house insurance. You don’t think of it. It doesn’t feel real. It feels like a dream.”
Other Cases of Air Fryer-Related Fires
The incident involving Angel Carpenter is not an isolated case; there have been multiple reports of air fryers causing fires, leading to property damage and safety concerns.
- Recall of Insignia Air Fryers: In March 2024, approximately 287,300 Insignia-branded air fryers were recalled in the U.S. and Canada due to risks of overheating, which could lead to the handles melting, glass shattering, and potential fires. The recall was initiated after 24 reports of the air fryers overheating, with six instances resulting in fires.
- Fire in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts: In May 2024, firefighters in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, responded to an apartment fire caused by an air fryer. The incident prompted warnings to consumers about the potential dangers of such appliances.
- Dorset Kitchen Fire: A family in Dorset experienced significant kitchen damage when their air fryer emitted an unusual crackling sound before bursting into flames. The local fire and rescue service advised users to unplug devices immediately if they notice any unusual noises or sparking and to evacuate and call emergency services if necessary.
- Cheltenham Incident: In Cheltenham, a 76-year-old man narrowly escaped injury when his air fryer caught fire. The blaze caused substantial damage to his home, highlighting the potential risks associated with these appliances.
- Harlow, Essex Fire: An electrical fault in an air fryer led to a severe house fire in Harlow, Essex. The incident resulted in extensive property damage and underscored the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines when using air fryers.
Understanding the Risks of Electrical Appliance Fires
The tragic incident involving Angel Carpenter underscores the potential dangers associated with everyday kitchen appliances, particularly air fryers. While these devices offer a convenient and healthier cooking alternative, recent data indicates a significant increase in fire-related incidents.
Potential Causes of Appliance Fires
Several factors can contribute to fires involving kitchen appliances like air fryers:
- Electrical Faults: Defective wiring or malfunctioning components can lead to overheating and fires. For instance, a recall was issued for certain air fryer models due to faulty wiring that posed fire hazards.
- Overheating: Overloading the appliance or obstructing air vents can cause excessive heat buildup. The U.S. Department of Agriculture advises against overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and prevent uneven cooking, which can lead to overheating.
- Improper Use: Using unauthorized accessories or failing to follow manufacturer guidelines increases risk. Consumer Reports highlights that misuse, such as placing air fryers on unstable surfaces or near flammable materials, can lead to dangerous situations.
Safety Measures to Prevent Appliance Fires
To mitigate the risk of fires when using appliances such as air fryers:
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect appliances for signs of wear or damage before each use. Ensure that power cords are intact and that there are no signs of fraying or other damage.
- Proper Placement: Ensure the appliance is on a stable, heat-resistant surface with adequate space around it for ventilation. Avoid placing it near flammable materials such as curtains or paper towels.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the recommended capacity, as overfilling can impede proper air circulation and lead to overheating. Cooking in smaller batches can help ensure even cooking and reduce the risk of overheating.
- Unplug After Use: Always disconnect the appliance from the power source when not in use to prevent electrical faults. This simple step can prevent potential electrical malfunctions that could lead to fires.
- Stay Attentive: Never leave the appliance unattended during operation. Monitoring the cooking process can help you catch any issues early before they become serious problems.
By adhering to these safety practices, users can enjoy the benefits of modern kitchen appliances while minimizing the risk of hazardous incidents.