Narrowly missing infamy

In my office transgressions are noted and retained in the long memory of employees and then brought forth in embarassing reminisces when a similar transgression occurs. The ones who commit the transgression lives on in infamy, even long after they've left the office. I can gladly say that I narrowly missed joining the ranks of infamy the other day all due to a bag of popcorn. You're probably guessing it right now -- we have a popcorn bag legacy. However, popcorn bags alone won't win you infamy...our legacy also involves the city fire department. Every once in awhile, a member of our staff (even deans) will get a hankering for popcorn and thus places a bag into the microwave, pressing the "popcorn" button before walking away. (Please note the primary mistake in leading to infamy status -- "walking away".) When the person goes back to retrieve the popcorn bag, one notices an odd burnt smell permeating the area. Upon opening the microwave, rolls of smoke enter the room and consequently sets off the alarms. Now, our buildings don't have those simple units that can have the batteries removed. Oh no! Our alarm sytems are wired into central facility services and thus any smoke alarm indicator results in a visit from the fire department. Of course, we are required to evacuate the building and the person of infamy is goodnaturedly hasseled about giving the building staff a break in their day.

So, you can imagine my reaction when I realized that, while standing next to the microwave, I was not hearing any popping. It was the silence that grabbed my attention. I immediately knew...and then smelled...what had happened. Frantic, I jabbed the stop button before cautiously opening the door. Only little tendrils of smoke were coming from the bag, which I immediately grabbed, held the top closed, and exited the nearest door leading outside. I disposed of the bag in the courtyard's trash can, safely far away from any smoke sensors. Shew! I came back into the office and could smell the smoke throughout the length of the office, even though I had only quickly passed through. Thankfully it wasn't enough to set off the alarms but it was a definitely close call!