At first, I thought the strange orange glow near the outlet was a reflection. It was late, and the room was dim, so I assumed a passing car or another light outside was creating the unusual color. But when I looked again, the glow was still there. I moved closer without touching anything and noticed something even more unsettling. The outlet seemed slightly discolored, and I could hear a faint crackling sound coming from somewhere behind the wall.

Then I smelled it: something like hot plastic or burning material. A thin trace of smoke appeared near the outlet, and the harmless explanation disappeared instantly. I backed away and told everyone else to leave the room. I knew enough not to touch the outlet, the wall, or any nearby electrical equipment. From a safe location, I went to the electrical panel and prepared to shut off the affected circuit. But as I reached for the switch, I realized the strange glow was getting brighter…