Loaded handgun accidentally fires in Virginia home after being left in oven

A loaded handgun accidentally discharged multiple rounds inside a Virginia home after being left in the oven, which was turned on by the homeowner. Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion from the oven, arriving to find the firearm melted into the steel grates. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted the dangers of improper firearm storage. Chesterfield County Fire and EMS emphasized the importance of keeping firearms secured and out of reach, recommending gun safes for safe storage. The mishap occurred when someone inadvertently placed the handgun in the oven and then turned it on, causing the weapon to heat up and discharge five rounds. The department noted that bullets can spontaneously discharge at temperatures around 400 degrees, which the oven likely reached. The situation could have resulted in severe consequences, including potential injuries or a house fire. Chesterfield County Fire and EMS took to social media to warn the community against storing firearms in ovens or similar locations, stressing that it is easy to forget items placed inside. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for secure storage practices to prevent accidents. Statistics indicate that a significant percentage of households in the U.S. keep loaded firearms, with many failing to store them securely. This incident underscores the critical need for gun owners to utilize proper storage methods, such as gun safes, to mitigate risks associated with firearm accidents.