Another close call in the kitchen

It's a good thing that the Punster stayed up late the other night to read, because, around midnight, he smelled something burning in the kitchen. Taking no chances after our previous Yom Tov fire, he immediately turned off both of the gas burners that we'd left on for Yom Tov, and unplugged both the coffee pot (which we use for hot water) and the hot tray, actions which would normally be prohibited on a Yom Tov/holiday, according to most opinions (to the best of my knowledge). Then he started checking the kitchen to determine where the smell of burning was coming from. It turned out that, unbeknownst to us, our coffee pot had broken, and all the water had leaked out. In another few minutes, the formica countertop would probably had starting smoldering. Instead, we are fortunate enough to have been left with nothing but three permanently-coffee-colored spots on the counter where the coffee pot's feet once stood, making a delightful compliment to our char-broiled stove. We have a real penchant for french-frying the kitchen fixtures.

Seriously, don't forget to keep an open box of baking soda in the kitchen, within easy reach, to help smother fires. And while you're at it, make sure that all of your kitchen appliances are in proper working order, especially if you intend to leave them turned on for three days straight.