Well, after a lot of engraving and cutting over the last 24 months I had my first fire tonight. I was cutting some 1/2" acrylic and was busy with something else at my bench adjacent to the engraver.
I heard a muffled pop and when I turned to look the inside of the engraver was aflame. I just turned off the laser beam and let the machine run. Then I grabbed my trusty, new I might add, First Alert Tundra fire extinguisher, opened the lid and sprayed the fire out. There was a brief secondary flare up which the Tundra took care of easily.
Dirty mirrors, dirty lens, warped top window, but no other damage. The cleanup was easy once everything cooled down. A paper towel or 3 and some Windex and it was over.
Two things here. I was right there with the machine. If I had not been it would have probably burned down my house.
Second, I had a fire extinguisher right there within reach. There is really no excuse for not having one. First Alert has these now for less than $20.00. If I had not had one I'm not sure what would have happened, but I am sure it would have cost me a whole lot more.
Heed the warning. I did and I'm sure glad. Go get the Tundra if you don't have an extinguisher already.
(Standard disclaimer. I don't work for nor have any affiliation with First Alert. They just make an effective, affordable fire extinguisher.)