Fire under electric stovetop element I was cooking and I saw flames shoot up from under the oven element ... why might this be, and what can I do to prevent this? I wasn't too concerned because it wasn't the food that was on fire but rather just something under the element, and fortunately the stove is metal, so there shouldn't be a huge fire hazard ... correct?
It might be a grease-fire

Take a good look under the heating element - there might be some pooled drippings or other food-gunk. You might need to clean it or just replace the whole unit - as some of the electrical insulation might have burned-off. 

Either way, I wouldn't use ANY of the burners on that stove again until you're SURE what caused it. 

You should be worried anytime there's a fire you didn't intend to make. 

Friendly safety reminder: You do have a working fire-extinguisher in your kitchen right? And your smoke-alarm has fresh batteries\is tested regularly?