Kurt Ullman wrote:
If anyone is really interested in anything more than flapping their
gums, the URL is for a 2003 Consumer Products Safety Commission report
on this very subject.
http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA03/os/portfan.pdf

There were an estimated 4,500 fires associated with portable electric
fans from 1990 through 1998. These fires resulted in more than 20
deaths, 270 injuries, and about $55 million in property loss.

Staff reviewed 243 fan-related In-Depth Investigations (IDIs),
conducted from January 1, 1990 through April 12, 2001. These IDIs
included those in which the identified hazard was fire (210), potential
fire (16), electrocution (12), electric shock (3), and electrical
hazards (2).

reported sales of portable electric fans have been in the
range of 17 to 20 million per year with an average life expectancy of
fans is 12 years. Based on this information, staff estimates there are
about 200 to 240 million portable fans in use in U.S. households.
Thus the odds don't seem all that good.

That's interesting. It's all portable fans, including those designed as
window fans.

Several cases seem to remain mysteries. There's soot but no other
evidence of overheating. There's evidence of overheating, but the motor
turns freely.

Fans are supposed to be protected from overheating in the event of a
locked rotor, and the ones tested have worked.

Cords are often the problem. Some people I know will continue to use a
cord when there's a warm spot.

It looks as if most problems would be minor of there were an adult
present to smell trouble and unplug the fan.